Message from the Premier of British Columbia
the honourable john horgan
Natural gas development and the path forward
T
he natural gas sector is the livelihood of thousands of British Columbians. It helps us build a strong economy and provides jobs to hard-working people. Natural gas can keep your home warm in the winter and help grow the produce you buy to feed your family. It is a versatile product with an
important role to play in our province’s future. LNG Canada’s $40-billion commitment to build an export facility in Kitimat is the largest private-sector investment in Canadian history. It is proof that B.C. is attracting investment, providing security to industry and British Columbians as we continue to move our province toward a cleaner and brighter future. Direct benefits of the LNG Canada project include up to 10,000 jobs for people during construction and 950 permanent jobs once operations are underway, as well as approximately $23 billion in new provincial government revenues – new resources for services such as health care, schools, and child care. Our government set four conditions for natural gas development: guarantee a fair return for our natural resources, create jobs and provide training, respect and partner with First Nations communities, and protect our air, land, and water. The LNG Canada project fits into our CleanBC plan and allows us to build a strong economy for future generations, while protecting our environment. We continue on the path toward meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. We are working government to government with First Nations, forming partnerships that benefit communities and create jobs and shared prosperity for people and communities. We look forward to seeing more good jobs for British Columbians in the natural gas sector. We want families and communities to see the benefits from our province’s resource-based investments and share in its success. Not only will this help make life more affordable, but it will also support services such as improved healthcare and other community-support initiatives. We continue to see growth in our valuable natural gas sector and I am excited for the opportunities ahead. n
10 B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2019-2020