VANCOUVER — Five First Nations on British Columbia’s North Coast have secured an option to acquire what could become one of the largest Indigenous ownership stakes in Canadian energy infrastructure if LNG Canada’s proposed Phase 2 expansion proceeds.
LNG Canada and its joint venture partners announced Tuesday an agreement giving MNT Investments LP, representing the Gitga’at First Nation, Gitxaała Nation, Haisla Nation, Kitselas First Nation and Kitsumkalum, the option to invest up to $1 billion to acquire a majority ownership interest in infrastructure tied to the expansion.
Under the agreement, the partnership would purchase the planned liquefied natural gas storage tank for the proposed Phase 2 project and lease it back to LNG Canada for the life of the facility. LNG Canada would continue operating and maintaining the infrastructure.
The agreement depends on LNG Canada’s joint venture participants approving the Phase 2 expansion, with a final investment decision targeted before the end of 2026.
If approved, the investment would provide participating First Nations with majority ownership of infrastructure supporting Canada’s largest LNG export facility.
LNG Canada president and chief executive officer Chris Cooper said the agreement represents a new model for Indigenous participation in major resource projects.
“Our announcement reflects our continued commitment to reconciliation by creating a pathway for Indigenous equity in our proposed Phase 2 expansion,” Cooper said.
“This agreement recognizes Indigenous Nations should have the opportunity to participate in major investments like Phase 2 not only through jobs, training, procurement and community benefits, but also through long-term ownership and value creation.”
The company said the proposed expansion could add two additional LNG processing trains, increasing total production capacity to as much as 30 million tonnes annually.
The Haisla Nation, on whose traditional territory the Kitimat export terminal operates, said the agreement reflects years of collaboration between Indigenous communities and industry.
“For nearly fifteen years, Haisla Nation has stewarded a sustainable, Nation-building LNG industry aligned with Indigenous values,” said elected Chief Councillor Maureen Nyce.
“Today’s announcement reflects what is possible when industry and Indigenous communities come together as partners, investors and decision-makers.”
Gitxaała Nation elected Chief Councillor Linda Innes said the agreement marks a shift in how Indigenous communities participate in resource development.
“It marks a fundamental shift in how development can occur in our traditional territory, one where Indigenous Nations are not expected to accept impacts but instead participate as equity owners and true partners,” she said.
LNG Canada began commercial exports in June 2025 and says it has shipped more than 100 cargoes of liquefied natural gas. The project is one of the largest private-sector investments in Canadian history.
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