Trans Mountain and the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc entered into a Mutual Benefit Agreement (MBA), a commitment that will provide significant employment and business benefits for the community when the expansion Project proceeds through all approvals.

An MBA is a confidential agreement that defines a mutually beneficial long-term relationship between an individual Aboriginal group and Kinder Morgan Canada. These agreements provide opportunities for First Nations located in closest proximity to the pipeline corridor to share in the prosperity of sustainable development within their territories. This agreement confirms Trans Mountain’s commitment to provide direct benefits through employment, training, business opportunities, as well as supporting needed upgrades to community infrastructure.

“We are proud of the relationship we have built with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and I would like to personally thank Kukpi7 (Chief) Fred Seymour and his predecessor for their leadership efforts in reaching this agreement which provides a positive path forward to work together on all matters of interest and concern,” said Ian Anderson, President of Kinder Morgan Canada. “We are committed to building and operating this pipeline to the highest standards of environmental performance while supporting and providing significant prosperity to Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, among many Aboriginal communities, through long-term mutual benefits.”

“I would like to thank all of the people that were, and continue to be a part of this project. Trans Mountain pipeline has been in the ground since 1953 and the history of relations has been challenging. To get to this stage in our relationship, we have sat at the table with Kinder Morgan Canada and had some tough negotiations. The outcome that we reached in the Mutual Benefit Agreement involved a collaborative process, always keeping our Members’ interests at the forefront, resulting in training, employment and contract opportunities for Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc members and compensation for the inequities dating back to 1953. Once Kinder Morgan Canada fulfills the significant obligations required by the National Energy Board, there will be greater certainty that the environmental and other commitments will be achieved. Then, the work schedule can be laid out,” said Kukpi7 (Chief) Fred Seymour.

Trans Mountain's plans are to maximize Aboriginal, local and regional employment opportunities by working with communities, construction companies and industry associations along the pipeline corridor. The Project will create more than 15,000 jobs through construction and 37,000 after operation of the pipeline, which includes direct jobs building the pipeline and indirect jobs in sectors such as engineering, manufacturing and transportation in support of the project.

Our inclusive approach to Aboriginal engagement has allowed Trans Mountain to meet and talk with not only those communities identified by government, but all groups or individuals that expressed an interest in the Project. To date, Trans Mountain has engaged with over 130 Aboriginal groups in more than 24,000 points of contact and has received 39 Letters of Support from Aboriginal Groups throughout Alberta and British Columbia, along the pipeline and marine corridor.