TUESDAYOCTOBER 14, 2014
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MLAs talk LNG and beds Stilwell and Fraser on local and provincial issues as session starts CANDACE WU news@pqbnews.com
The fall legislative session started last Monday with a throne speech largely leaning on liquified natural gas (LNG) — leaving Alberni-Pacific Rim MLA Scott Fraser less than impressed. “It was an 18-minute throne speech,” said Fraser. “Underwhelming would be an understatement.” The speech described B.C. following the same path to Asia for LNG as it did in expanding lumber trade when the U.S. housing market declined. “Like forestry, B.C.’s natural gas industry has relied on exports to the United States,” said the speech, read by Lt. Governor Judith Guichon. “But the American shale gas revolution has meant the export south has dried up — and is never coming back.” The gas industry employs 1,700 people in the Fort Nelson area alone, and can be maintained only by reaching Asian markets. The speech notes that Chinese LNG consumption rose by a fifth in the first half of 2014. “This is a chance — not a windfall,” the government notes, after one of the leading investment groups warned of shifting conditions that could delay its participation. Fraser said he was “disappointed” the government expressed “repeated talk of LNG” but lacked focus on local issues. “In my constituency we have issues around agriculture, logging and the government’s response to communities for issues like the seaweed harvest (in Deep Bay/Bowser)… we’re losing our forests… it’s like (the Liberal government) has abandoned these industries,” he said. “And it’s all for this one LNG commodity — it is a commodity — it’s part of our economy now but it’s one commodity.” Fraser added LNG is subject to the international market, over which he believes the government has no control. “It’s dangerous to put all your eggs in one basket,” he said. But Parksville Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell stands by her government. “There was no doubt the focus of our session was on LNG,” Stilwell told The NEWS from Victoria. “We need a comprehensive, legislative framework to get out so we can create confidence for our investors who are backing the government in exporting LNG to Asia.”
JESSICA SKELTON PHOTO
Isabelle, 6, from Tsawwassen and Emmaline, 5, from Calgary enjoy their Thanksgiving holiday on the Island by picking pumpkins at Tiger Lily Farm. The farm’s pumpkin patch is open until Oct. 31.
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