LNG Canada and its joint venture participants have announced a landmark equity option agreement with MNT Investments LP, a limited partnership representing the economic development organisations of five First Nations neighbouring the company’s operations in Kitimat, British Columbia. The participating Nations are the Gitga’at First Nation, Gitxaała Nation, Haisla Nation, Kitselas First Nation and Kitsumkalum.
Under the agreement, MNT Investments LP would have the opportunity to invest up to CAD 1 billion to acquire a majority equity ownership interest in a special purpose entity that would purchase the liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank planned for LNG Canada’s proposed Phase 2 expansion. The storage tank would then be leased back to LNG Canada for the operational life of the project, while the company would continue to operate and maintain the facility and associated infrastructure.
If completed, the transaction would represent one of the largest Indigenous ownership positions in major Canadian infrastructure and a significant Indigenous investment in the country’s LNG sector.
The equity option agreement remains conditional on approval of the proposed Phase 2 expansion by LNG Canada’s joint venture participants. The expansion, planned for Kitimat on the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation, is targeting a final investment decision by the end of 2026.
The proposed investment would provide participating First Nations with majority ownership in infrastructure supporting Canada’s largest LNG export facility, marking a significant step in Indigenous participation through long-term equity ownership beginning in the construction phase.
LNG Canada President and CEO Chris Cooper said the agreement reflects the company’s commitment to advancing reconciliation by creating opportunities for Indigenous equity participation alongside employment, training, procurement and community benefits. He noted that the partnership aligns with a shared vision of strengthening Canada’s position as a leading global LNG exporter while supplying lower-carbon LNG to international markets.
Since commencing operations on June 30th, 2025, LNG Canada and its joint venture partners have safely shipped more than 100 LNG cargoes. The company continues to evaluate a potential Phase 2 expansion that could include two additional LNG processing trains, increasing the facility’s total production capacity to as much as 30 million tonnes per annum.
Leaders from the five participating First Nations described the agreement as a transformative milestone in Indigenous participation in major infrastructure projects.
Arnold Clifton, elected chief councillor of the Gitga’at First Nation, said the partnership demonstrates the strength of collaboration among neighbouring Nations and industry, positioning British Columbia’s North Coast as a global LNG hub while delivering long-term regional benefits.
Gitxaała Nation Elected Chief Councillor Luugagwelks (Linda Innes) described the agreement as a fundamental shift in resource development, emphasising that Indigenous Nations are becoming equity owners and true partners rather than simply stakeholders affected by projects. She said the partnership demonstrates what can be achieved through trust and collaboration.
Haisla Nation Elected Chief Councillor Maureen Nyce said the agreement builds on nearly 15 years of Indigenous-led stewardship of the LNG industry, creating generational prosperity through shared investment and decision-making while setting a new standard for Indigenous ownership in energy infrastructure.
Kitselas First Nation Elected Chief Councillor Glenn Bennett said the agreement reflects a move beyond consultation toward meaningful equity, ownership and long-term value creation, ensuring the benefits of Canada’s energy future directly support Indigenous communities for generations.
Diane Collins, chief executive officer of the Kitsumkalum Economic Development Group, described the agreement as a powerful example of reconciliation in action, highlighting the progress made from historical policies aimed at assimilation to Indigenous Nations becoming equal commercial partners in major infrastructure investments.
About LNG Canada
LNG Canada operates an LNG export facility in Kitimat, British Columbia, located on the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation. The facility currently produces LNG from two processing trains.
The project is a joint venture comprising Shell Canada Energy (40 percent), PETRONAS through North Montney LNG Limited Partnership (25 percent), PetroChina Kitimat LNG Partnership (15 percent), Diamond LNG Canada Partnership, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation (15 percent), and Kogas Canada LNG Partnership, a subsidiary of Korea Gas Corporation (5 percent). Operations are managed by LNG Canada Development Inc.
LNG Storage Tank
The proposed 225,000-cubic-metre LNG storage tank would be the largest in Canada and among the largest globally. Designed to support one of North America’s largest LNG export facilities, the tank would feature a 9 percent nickel alloy steel inner tank with cryogenic insulation. The structure would stand approximately 56 metres high with a diameter of 92 metres.
For more information visit www.lngcanada.ca
