July 14, 2026
LNG Canada and its Joint Venture Participants (JVPs) have signed a landmark Indigenous equity agreement with MNT Investments LP, representing the economic development organizations of five neighbouring First Nations. The agreement creates a pathway for Indigenous ownership in major energy infrastructure as part of the proposed LNG Canada Phase 2 expansion in Kitimat, British Columbia.
If completed, the investment would become one of the largest Indigenous ownership positions in Canadian infrastructure and a significant milestone for Canada’s LNG industry.
The agreement gives MNT Investments LP the option to invest up to $1 billion (CAD) to acquire a majority ownership interest in a special-purpose entity that would purchase the planned liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank for Phase 2.
The storage tank would then be leased back to LNG Canada for the life of the project, while LNG Canada would continue operating and maintaining the facility and associated infrastructure.
The opportunity brings together five participating Nations:
The agreement remains conditional on LNG Canada’s Joint Venture Participants approving the proposed Phase 2 expansion, with a Final Investment Decision targeted by the end of 2026.
Unlike traditional project agreements focused on employment, procurement, and community benefits, the proposed investment enables participating First Nations to become long-term infrastructure owners and share in the project’s future economic value.
Chris Cooper, President and CEO of LNG Canada, said the agreement reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation by creating opportunities for Indigenous equity alongside jobs, training, procurement, and community partnerships.
He added that the shared vision is to strengthen Canada’s position as a leading global exporter of lower-carbon LNG while creating lasting economic benefits for Indigenous communities.
LNG Canada has safely shipped more than 100 LNG cargoes since beginning operations on June 30, 2025 and continues evaluating the proposed Phase 2 expansion, which could add two additional LNG trains and increase production capacity to 30 million tonnes per annum.
Leaders from the participating First Nations described the agreement as a transformational step toward reconciliation, recognizing Indigenous Nations as long-term investors and partners in Canada’s energy future rather than simply stakeholders.
The proposed agreement represents an evolving model for major infrastructure development in Canada—one built on collaboration, shared investment, and long-term economic participation. If approved, the Phase 2 expansion would establish a new benchmark for Indigenous ownership in energy infrastructure, supporting economic development while strengthening partnerships between industry and First Nations for generations to come.
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