Haisla Business Operations

In 2010, Haisla Council separated community politics from economic development through the establishment of Haisla Business Operations (HBO). HBO has been equipped with the expertise and experience that the Haisla need to make astute, long-term economic development decisions.

Reporting to Council’s Economic Development Committee, Haisla Business Operation’s role is to identify and assess economic opportunities, conduct negotiations with proponents, implement any agreements that are reached, and manage the operational side of the arrangement for the benefit of the Haisla people.

These benefits can include ownership revenue (such as in the BC LNG Export Co-op), lease revenue (such as with KM LNG), tax revenue, contracting and entrepreneurial opportunities, jobs, and training and skills development.

Key proponents to the success stories now playing out, such as KM LNG and the growing number of partnerships between the Haisla and organizations such as Seaspan and Atco Structures, are straightforward:

1. Early engagement with the Haisla by proponents; and
2. Clear alignment between the proponent’s interests and those of the Haisla.

When these are in place, the Haisla believe that they can accelerate the pace of development, for the benefit of their peoples, the proponent, and governments.

From the Council and HBO perspective there is recognition that the Haisla need to provide timely and efficient decision-making, political and financial stability in the community and at the Council table, and strong community support—such as the 93% vote in favour of the KM LNG lease agreement in late 2010.

Haisla Business Operations Microsite