About FNLP

Working to Preserve Participating First Nations’ Interests

FNLP supports its Participating First Nations to secure lasting financial, commercial, and employment benefits through the Amended and Restated Benefits Agreement (2013) signed with the proponents of the proposed Pacific Trail Pipelines project.

Northern BC Landscape showing trees and water

Our Story

Working to Preserve Participating First Nations' Interests

Formed to secure substantial and sustained economic benefits from the Pacific Trail Pipelines project, FNLP’s role is to administer and safeguard commercial benefits for our Participating First Nation members. 

FNLP reached a historic milestone in 2013 in concluding the Amended and Restated Benefits Agreement (ARBA). With substantial pre-FID milestone payments, the ARBA has delivered important financial benefits for its Participating First Nation signatories. 

Today, FNLP safeguards a carefully crafted framework of benefits (financial, employment, training and contracting) and continues to serve the 16 Participating First Nations by maintaining organizational preparedness for the project.

Logos of the 16 FNLP participating nations

Key Milestones

A Timeline of Milestones and Resilience

2008

FNLP was formed in response to the Pacific Trail Pipelines, a proposed project to develop a natural gas transmission pipeline from Summit Lake to Kitimat in Northern British Columbia.  

2009

The Province of BC makes first contribution payment to the FNLP Shareholder group.

2012

FNLP forms joint venture with Somerville-Aecon for pipeline construction bid.

2012

Chevron buys EOG and Encana stake in the Pacific Trail Pipelines project. Owns  50/50 with Apache.

2013

FNLP concludes the Amended and Restated Benefits Agreement (ARBA) with Pacific Trail Pipelines project proponents.

2013

ARBA initial benefits distribution payment made to FNLP Participating First Nation Shareholders.

2014

FNLP forms joint venture with Premay Pipeline Hauling.

2015

ARBA second benefits distribution payment made to FNLP Participating First Nation Shareholders.

2015

Apache exits the Pacific Trail Pipelines project. Woodside Energy becomes co-owner with Chevron.

2019

Chevron announces intention to exit the Pacific Trail Pipelines project. Initiates Buyer search. 

2021

Woodside announces intention to exit the Pacific Trail Pipelines project. Initiates Buyer search.

2021

Enbridge acquires 100% of the Pacific Trail Pipelines project from Chevron and Woodside.

FNLP Governance

FNLP’s Independent Board of Directors and Executives

FNLP’s Board of Directors and its operating executive are fully independent of FNLP’s Shareholders. Comprising experts in finance, major projects, and strategic governance, FNLP’s Directors and Management represent Shareholder interests to industry and government on all commercial matters relating to the proposed Pacific Trail Pipelines project. Learn more about FNLP governance here.

Mark Podlasly Headshot

Mark Podlasly

FNLP Chair

Doug Ryder Headshot

Doug Ryder

FNLP Director

Alexandra Ballard Headshot

Alexandra Ballard

FNLP General Manager

Mark Podlasly, BA, MPA, ICD.D

As FNLP’s Chair, Mark (Nlaka’pamux Nation, BC) brings over 25 years of experience in the development of capital projects connected to energy, natural resources, and community infrastructure around the world.  He provides strategic advice on a broad range of Indigenous-corporate issues, including environmental, social and governance matters.

 

In addition to FNLP, Mark serves on the Board of Directors of CIBC and Hydro One. He is the Chief Sustainability Officer at the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, a national 85+ nation collective that seeks ownership of major projects such as pipelines, electric utilities, and mining support infrastructure.

 Mark advises Indigenous groups such as the BC AFN and others on economic and public policy issues.

Mark informs Indigenous governments on the establishment and management of financial trusts to capture and invest revenue from resource extraction industries. He currently manages a ~$55 million fund shared by eight First Nations.

Doug Ryder, BBS, CPA, CBV​

Doug is an independent Director of FNLP. As a member of FNLP’s negotiation team from 2011-2013, Doug provided vital experience in developing revenue and cash flow models relating to asset provisioning, strategic expansion and financial management

Doug’s professional specialty is commercial transaction and related services. His specific focus includes Mergers and Acquisitions, capital structuring, strategic planning and capital sourcing. Doug is highly sought after for his verification work on the logic and integrity of complex financial models prepared in connection with long-term public/private partnership (“P3”) projects to design, build, finance, and operate major infrastructure facilities. Doug has performed 50+ model examination engagements, issuing examination reports for the reliance of project proponents and governments on projects with recorded NPV values of between $100 million – $2 Billion.

In addition to working with FNLP, Doug Ryder is Managing Director of Questra Corporate Finance Inc, specialist provider of transaction, valuation and management consulting services. Doug was previously a Partner with Grant Thornton LLP, leading the Vancouver Transactions Practice.

Alexadra Ballard, BA, MA, CPHR

Alexandra’s background includes 15 years in investment management overseas (Asia Pacific) working for global investment firms in senior executive roles. In addition to her diverse strategic expertise, Alexandra is a professional negotiator, Human Resources and corporate manager, communications and management specialist.  She has completed the Company Directors’ certification (Australia) and is a member of the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia and Yukon.

She was a member of FNLP’s negotiating team and, as General Manager, Alexandra is currently FNLP’s sole full-time employee, responsible for ensuring the operational integrity of FNLP. Specifically, Alexandra manages the financial, legal and governance requirements of the Company, multi-level relationships and communications with all Participating First Nations as well as with PTP Proponents and Government. Alexandra also oversees the statutory requirements for FNLP’s subsidiaries and manages the relationships with JV alliance partners.