The Hon. Bob Rae accepts Chairmanship of the Board of the FN (PTP) Group Limited Partnership

VANCOUVER, July 24, 2013 /CNW/ - British Columbia based FN (PTP) Group Limited Partnership (FNLP) is delighted to confirm the appointment of the Honourable Bob Rae to the Board of Directors.  The appointment comes as FNLP prepares to implement the $200 million commercial agreement concluded earlier this year with the Pacific Trail Pipelines Limited Partnership (PTP LP), the pipeline component of the proposed Kitimat LNG Project.

Mr. Rae has had a distinguished career as a public servant at the highest levels of Canadian federal and provincial politics, including roles as Interim Leader of the Federal Liberal Party and as Premier of Ontario.  His respect for Canada's First Nations is widely known.  He was an early supporter of the inherent right to self-government and has assisted several Northern Ontario First Nations to achieve reserve status.  His government also signed a groundbreaking "Statement of Relationship" with Ontario's First Nations and developed strategies on clean water and health care that became models for other governments.  Mr. Rae also pushed strongly for native rights to be included in constitutional reforms and has spoken out frequently on issues of importance to First Nations.

"Bob Rae has a proven track record of genuine concern for First Nations and the advancement of their interests," stated Chief Ray Morris, a member of the FNLP Executive Committee that oversaw the negotiation of the commercial agreement with PTP LP.  "We are fortunate that he has chosen to offer his experience, network, judgment and diplomatic skills to FNLP as one of British Columbia's most important LNG projects continues to move forward."

"I am honoured to have been asked to assist in this process," said Mr. Rae.  "FNLP is an innovative model for how industry, governments and First Nations can cooperate effectively with respect to major economic development projects." Mr. Rae added that "the successful implementation of the commercial agreement between First Nations, the PTP LP and British Columbia will be critical to the project moving forward successfully, which is important for the economy of the whole country."

In addition to his new role as Chairman of FNLP, Mr. Rae is now serving as a negotiator for the Matawa Tribal Council in their discussions with the government of Ontario.  He is also teaching at the School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Toronto.

About First Nations (PTP) Group Limited Partnership (FNLP)

The First Nations (PTP) Group Limited Partnership (FNLP) is a limited partnership of 15 First Nations whose traditional territories are located along the proposed PTP pipeline route between Summit Lake and Kitimat, British Columbia. 

FNLP was formed to secure significant, reliable and long-term economic benefits for its limited partners from the proposed PTP Project. The following 15 First Nations are limited partners in FNLP: the Haisla Nation, Kitselas First Nation, Lax Kw'alaams Band, Lheidli T'enneh First Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, Metlakatla First Nation, Nadleh Whut'en First Nation, Nak'azdli Band, Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band, Saik'uz First Nation, Skin Tyee First Nation, Stellat'en First Nation, Ts'il Kaz Koh First Nation, West Moberly First Nations and Wet'suwet'en First Nation.

The commercial agreement between PTP LP and FNLP will provide up to $200 million in financial benefits over the life of the PTP Project to the 15 FNLP First Nations. The agreement will also provide substantial business, training and job opportunities for these First Nations.  The agreement package includes an Economic Partnership Agreement between the Province of British Columbia and FNLP that will see up to $32 million contributed by the Province to facilitate a non-equity investment into PTP LP by FNLP.

SOURCE: First Nations (PTP) Group Limited Partnership (FNLP)

Alexandra Ballard
Director, Communications and Partnership Development
Havlik Metcs Limited
604-349-1221
[email protected]