107th Year - Week 51
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
PM 40007014
By Alicia Bridges Smithers/Interior News
OUR TOWN/A15
A photograph taken by a bystander during the alleged incident.
Smithers/Interior News
INSIDE LETTERS A6 COMMUNITY A9 OUR TOWN A15 SPORTS B1 THREE RIVERS C1 CLASSIFIEDS C4
See RESPOND on A4
First Nations sign LNG deals By Chris Gareau
THREE RIVERS/C3
A Smithers police officer is being investigated over an accusation he used excessive force to try to handcuff a 61-year-old woman outside Mark’s clothing store on Dec. 6. Irene Joseph made a formal complaint to the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission (CRCC) for the RCMP about an officer she claims used excessive force when he allegedly knocked her to the ground. The CRCC is the federal government’s independent investigator for complaints
about the conduct of RCMP officers. The B.C. Civil Liberties Association is also investigating. Joseph claims the officer hurt her knees and chest and damaged her walker and glasses when he tried to handcuff her. She said the incident occurred when the officer was questioning her about a suspect in a theft at the store. Joseph said she became confused and upset about why she was being questioned and she tried to get away. She said there was a shouting match before the officer tried to handcuff her. When she resisted, she claims he knocked her to the ground
Contributed photo
SPORTS/B4
FIRST PUNCHES Hazeltons boxers fight their first tournament.
Single Copy • $1.30 ($1.24 + 6¢ GST)
Smithers RCMP officer investigated after incident with elder
SELFLESS STARTER Young Smithers sisters make cards for cancer.
OLYMPICS BOUND Former Otter qualifies for trials.
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Three First Nations signed LNG pipeline benefit agreements with the province the last two weeks, moving forward the process of building the Coastal GasLink pipeline south of the Bulkley Valley. The pipeline was issued an environmental assessment certificate this fall. The Wet’suwet’en, Skin Tyee and Nee Tahi Buhn are the first three to sign agreements with the province. There are 20 First Nations along the route who need to sign agreements. Wet’suwet’en Chief Karen Ogen, who was the latest to sign the deal last week, said a separate industry benefit agreement has also been signed with Shell Canada, who will be using the TransCanadabuilt pipeline to bring liquified natural gas from northeast B.C. to an export facility in Kitimat. Ogen said the details of that deal cannot be released due to
bulkleyvalleywholesale.com
a confidentiality agreement. The deal with the province will give the Wet’suwet’en $2.8 million over three stages: $464,000 upon signing the agreement, $1.16 million when pipeline construction begins, and $1.16 million when the pipeline is in service. Another $10 million over three years will be shared by First Nations along the route. How that money will be divided is expected to be figured out early in the new year. The Skin Tyee First Nation will receive approximately $2.8 million from the province: $466,000 upon signing the agreement, $1.15 million when pipeline construction begins, and $1.15 million when the pipeline is in service. The Nee Tahi Buhn Indian Band will receive approximately $2.5 million: $420,000 upon signing the agreement, $1.05 million when construction begins, and $1.05 million when the pipeline is operating. Chief Ogen said a meeting was scheduled for last night
Wet’suwet’en First Nation signs an LNG pipeline benefits agreement with Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation John Rustad.
Contributed photo
to explain the benefits to members of the Wet’suwet’en, including the share of the $10 million that would go towards economic development. “As far as I’m concerned it’ss what’s more meaningful
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to our nation is meaningful job opportunities and training opportunities,” said Ogen, who gave the example of heavy equipment operation (HEO). See HEREDITARY on A8