Five First Nations to Invest $712M in LNG Canada Phase 2
Rigzone reports that the Shell-led LNG Canada joint venture has signed an agreement allowing five neighboring First Nations in British Columbia to invest up to CAD 1 billion ($712.17 million) in the projectโs proposed phase 2 expansion. The deal, structured through MNT Investments LP, would give the partnership an unspecified majority stake in a special purpose entity that would purchase and own the planned LNG storage tank, then lease it back to LNG Canada for the operational life of the facility. MNT Investments represents the economic development arms of the Gitgaโat First Nation, the Gitxaaลa Nation, the Haisla Nation, the Kitselas First Nation and Kitsumkalum.
The arrangement is contingent on co-venturers approving the phase 2 expansion, with a final investment decision expected by year end. Phase 2 would add two liquefaction trains, pushing total capacity to 30 MMtpa from the current 14 MMtpa. LNG Canada called it potentially one of the largest Indigenous ownership positions in major Canadian infrastructure. LNG Canada began exporting in June 2025 and has since shipped over 100 cargoes.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- BC-based trades should prepare for an Indigenous-partnership bid framework ahead of the year-end FID: expect LNG Canada and its EPC contractors to prioritize firms with established relationships or joint-venture structures involving the five member nations, particularly for civil, marine, and storage-tank construction packages tied to phase 2.
- Storage tank construction is the immediate scope to watch: since MNT Investmentsโ stake centers on the planned LNG storage tank, mechanical, welding, and specialty tank-construction subcontractors should track procurement announcements from LNG Canada once the FID is finalized.
- Local-content expectations are rising, per Gitxaaลa Nation Elected Chief Councilor Linda Innesโs comments about Indigenous nations participating โas equity owners and true partners.โ Subcontractors bidding on phase 2 packages should factor in Indigenous procurement or hiring commitments as a likely evaluation criterion, not just cost and schedule.
