The Gitxaala Ferry Committee has announced that they are awarding a contract to design the new Gitxaala Nation Ferry to 3GA Marine Ltd.
Requests for proposals for both parts of the project closed on May 8. The committee has been actively reviewing proposals over the last few months. Funding for the new vessel will come from the Gitxaala First Nation LNG Benefits Agreement. Transportation needs have increased for member and visitors travelling between Kitkatla and Prince Rupert which made the project a top priority.
The new vessel is expected to be completed by 2022. The ferry committee plans to provide nation members with regular updates as the project proceeds.
‘Funding for the new vessel will come from the Gitxaala First Nation LNG Benefits Agreement.’
The Trust is not assigned for investment, or loan, purposes. It is held in escrow, where a third party (Designated Trustees, not Gitxaala Nation Council) holds and regulates payment of the funds required for two parties involved (Trustees, not Gitxaala Nation Council and the beneficial owners of all IBA monies, Kitkatla Band members) in a given transaction, the payment of dividends only.
Gitxaala Ferry Committee is not a party to the Trust.
THEREFORE, Gitxaala Ferry Committee is ultra vires any and all authority to commit payments from that sacrosanct account, a statement of fact, and a statement of law.