A proposed liquefied natural gas project says it has signed agreements with the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs, the Nova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association and unions in Cape Breton.
Bear Head LNG Corp. says the mutual benefits agreement with the assembly is a commitment to develop the project on the Strait of Canso in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Chief executive John Baguley calls it a “significant milestone” for the project and demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing direct benefits to Mi’kmaq communities.
The company also says its project labour agreement with the unions ensures a stable work environment for the development of its facility.
It says the labour agreement governs the terms of employment for employees represented by the unions at the Bear Head facility and gives priority to qualified residents of Cape Breton Island and mainland Nova Scotia.
The proposed facility will comprise an initial development of an eight-million-tonne to 12-million-tonne-a-year liquefied natural gas facility, with the capacity and approvals for further expansion.
The company says all required initial permits are in place to construct the export facility, while Canada’s National Energy Board and the U.S. Department of Energy have granted export licences.
LNG produced at the facility will be transported by vessels to overseas markets.