On June 8th, 2011 a delegation comprising Mayor Jack Mussallem, Mayor Dave MacDonald, Chief Garry Reece, and other representatives met with Minister Kevin Falcon, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier and Minister Lekstrom, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to discuss the Tsimshian Access Project.

This project would result in improved access and cargo handling capacity to the Prince Rupert airport and road access to Metlakatla and Lax Kw’alaams.

The meeting resulted in both Ministers expressing a desire to work with the delegation to develop a strategy and action plan to move the project forward with federal, provincial and consortium involvement.

Chief Garry Reece believes that this is a positive step towards connecting the communities of Lax Kw’alaams, Metlakatla and the City of Prince Rupert. This Project is significant to the continued success and growth of Port infrastructure as it will facilitate local First Nation’s ability to contribute in negotiated economic benefits.

On behalf of the consortium, Mayor Mussallem expressed his appreciation to the Ministers for their commitment to work with the North Coast communities on this project.