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Feds defend Pacific NorthWest LNG decision as court challenges filed

Oct 27, 2016 | 5:13 PM

VANCOUVER — The federal government says it is standing behind its decision to approve the massive Pacific NorthWest LNG project on British Columbia’s northern coast.

The response comes the same day two First Nations and an environmental group filed legal action against the $11.4-billion terminal near Prince Rupert in Federal Court.

The Gitwilgyoots Tribe of the Lax Kw’alaams, Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs and SkeenaWild Conservation Trust filed separate applications for judicial review, which aim to quash the federal government’s decision.

The two indigenous groups allege the government failed to properly consult with them, while SkeenaWild is challenging the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency’s conclusion that the project will have no significant impact on salmon.