On Sept. 16, B.C. Premier David Eby announced his support for the Nisga’a Nation’s involvement in the $108 billion Ksi Lisims LNG liquefied natural gas floating export facility, set to be constructed near Gingolx, B.C.
The facility represents a partnership between Nisga’a Nation, Western LNG, and Rockies LNG. The President of Nisga’a Lisims Government, Eva Clayton, said that the support from Eby is a step toward reconciliation.
Some surrounding First Nation communities are opposed to the project, including the Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) who released a statement voicing opposition and expressing environmental concerns about the project.
Other critics have voiced concern over the financial backing of the project, which has ties to President Donald Trump, Blackstone Inc., and billionaire Leon Black, who is currently under investigation for his financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Black is the former CEO and current shareholder of Apollo Global Management, an investor to Western LNG.
Eby responded that international investment was positive.
“If you want to invest in B.C. … we welcome you. Regardless of their political affiliation, those investors could invest anywhere. They’ve decided to bring their money here.”
The estimated boost from this project to the Canadian economy is $18 billion over 30 years.
Darien Johnsen is a UFV alumni who obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree with double extended minors in Global Development Studies and Sociology in 2020. She started writing for The Cascade in 2018, taking on the role of features editor shortly after. She’s passionate about justice, sustainable development, and education.