News Release

FLORENCEVILLE-BRISTOL (GNB) – The provincial government and New Brunswick’s six Maliseet First Nations have reached an accommodation agreement concerning the development of the Sisson Mine.

“Your government has listened to New Brunswickers and recognizes that job creation and economic development are what matters most to them,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “These agreements will facilitate current and future resource development projects in the province, which will create jobs and increase economic activity for all New Brunswickers.”

“The Sisson Partnership is pleased that the Maliseet First Nations and the province have reached agreement regarding accommodation,” said Chris Zahovskis, president and CEO of Northcliff Resources, which co-owns the partnership. “Finalizing these agreements is a big step in having the Sisson Mine project move forward.”

The provincial government and First Nations have jointly submitted the agreement to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. The agreement will become part of the agency’s review, including its “significant effects” determination of how issues have been addressed and mitigated. The provincial government expects this should result in a decision on federal environmental approval within months.

“The economic impact of the Sisson Mine project will be huge for New Brunswick,” said deputy premier Stephen Horsman. “With this agreement in place, the project is one step further toward putting hundreds of New Brunswickers to work.”

Horsman spoke on behalf of Energy and Resource Development Minister Rick Doucet.

The government forecasts the project could result in $280 million in mineral royalties to the province, as well as $245 million in tax revenue over 27 years. It is expected to create about 500 jobs during construction and 300 during operations over the 27-year life of the mine, including spinoff employment in the supply and service sectors.

The agreement shares with First Nations a projected 9.8 per cent of provincial revenue generated by the metallic mineral tax as follows:

• $3 million upon federal environmental approval

• 35 per cent of the first $2 million of royalties received by the provincial government each year

• 3.5 per cent of additional annual royalties

“Our community looks forward to the economic opportunities that will result from the Sisson Mine project,” said Raymond Rousselle, president of the Juniper Co-operative Association. “It is an important project for our community and the region as a whole.”

The province and Maliseet First Nations have also entered into an agreement to have a joint table examine the cumulative impacts and make recommendations.

“Your government is committed to building upon the collaborative and productive relationship we have with First Nations to create jobs and economic growth,” said Carleton-Victoria MLA Andrew Harvey.

Harvey attended for Service New Brunswick Minister Ed Doherty, who is also minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs.