Fort St. John, BC – The BC Government, the Halfway River First Nation and the BC Oil and Gas Commission have signed an agreement, which is touted as providing ‘greater land use certainty in northeast British Columbia’.

The Oil and Gas Consultation Agreement defines the process and timelines for engagement activities between the HRFN and the Commission for proposed oil and gas activities. 

The Halfway River First Nation’s main community is located 120-kilometres northwest of Fort St. John.  During the life of the agreement, HRFN will receive funding to support the review of tenure and oil and gas activity referrals.  The Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Natural Gas says the entire cost of the agreement is provided through industry application fees to the Commission.  Ministry officials say indusry will have the confidence to invest in the region, knowing a formal process is in place to assess proposed activities.

"These negotiations have improved the relationship between the Halfway River First Nation, the Commission, and the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Natural Gas," says Chief Russell Lilly.  "Resulting in a better consultation process for oil and gas activities and pre-tenure sale applications that addresses key issues for our community."

BC Oil and Gas Commission CEO, Paul Jeakins, says, "A strong working relationship built on mutual trust and respect is key to ensuring any potential impacts can be addressed and benefits flow to the community."