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The findings are based on a series of engagement sessions held last fall with Indigenous communities in the province to gather their perspectives and suggestions.

If LNG projects are done in ways that respect First Nations’ interests, they believe “they will be the most safe, environmentally rigorous, and human-rights compliant projects in the world,” according to the 16-page report.

The B.C. government should partner with First Nations and Indigenous organizations to improve communication, information sharing, and ongoing engagement on the LNG industry, the report suggests.

It also proposes that the B.C. government do more to improve investor confidence in the province. B.C. was recently ranked as the worst province in Canada for oil and gas investment, according to the Fraser Institute’s 2017 Global Petroleum Survey.

Karen Ogen-Toews, president of the First Nations LNG Alliance, which has representatives of six First Nations on its board, said many Indigenous communities view LNG as an opportunity to improve poor socio-economic conditions because it offers jobs and training. During the sessions, Indigenous participants raised concerns about poverty and the need for employment.

Last week the province’s minority NDP government introduced new conditions and tax incentives for LNG projects to attract investment, moderating its previous dislike of the industry and despite needing the support of the anti-LNG Green Party to stay in power.