Close X
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
ADVT 
National

Malaysia-Led Group Gives Conditional Approval For B.C. LNG Project

The Canadian Press, 12 Jun, 2015 11:12 AM
    VANCOUVER — A Malaysia-led consortium has become the first in British Columbia to announce conditional approval of a liquefied natural gas project, a major step forward for the Liberal government as it stakes its future on development of the industry.
     
    Pacific NorthWest LNG, which is controlled by Malaysian energy giant Petronas, said Thursday it will confirm a final investment decision on the $36-billion project in northeast B.C. subject to two conditions.
     
    The first condition is approval of the project development agreement by the provincial legislature, while the second condition is a positive environmental assessment by the federal government.
     
    "In parallel with work to support the final investment decision, Pacific NorthWest LNG will continue constructive engagement with area First Nations, local communities, stakeholders and regulators," said president Michael Culbert in a statement. 
     
    "The integrated project is poised to create thousands of construction and operational careers in the midst of the current energy sector slowdown."
     
    The consortium is proposing to build an LNG export facility at Lelu Island near Prince Rupert, B.C., which would represent the largest capital investment in the province's history.
     
    In May, the Lax Kw'alaams First Nation rejected a natural gas benefit offer worth $1.15 billion, citing environmental threats to the salmon-rich Skeena River.
     
    Natural gas development minister Rich Coleman applauded the announcement, but acknowledged the province still had work to do, including engagement with First Nations.
     
    "Our government has put this new industry in a position of strength to move forward and created certainty for Pacific NorthWest LNG on its path," he said in a statement.
     
    "The Province of British Columbia will continue to work with all partners to ensure the project is developed with the highest standards of environmental protection and enhancement."
     
    A government source said the Liberals are expected to decide by the end of next week whether to recall the B.C. legislature to adopt legislation for the project.
     
    Bruce Ralston, natural gas critic for the Opposition New Democrats, said his party is looking forward to the possibility of a final investment, but there are still major hurdles to overcome.
     
    "Unfortunately, the big promises made by (Premier Christy Clark) and the B.C. Liberals in the last election have still not been met. There are no shovels in the ground, and no final investment decisions," he said.
     
    Ralston said First Nations must be involved as "true partners," but the project is a long way from getting their support. He added the federal environmental review has been repeatedly delayed and will not be finished until at least this fall.
     
    B.C. Chamber of Commerce president John Winter called the announcement "historic" and said it was rare for a brand new industry to arrive in the province.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Conservatives Studying Anti-terrorism Bill Reject Opposition Changes

    Conservatives Studying Anti-terrorism Bill Reject Opposition Changes
    OTTAWA — The Conservatives have used their majority on the House of Commons public safety committee to vote down the first wave of opposition amendments to the federal anti-terrorism bill.

    Conservatives Studying Anti-terrorism Bill Reject Opposition Changes

    Ontario's Deficit Now At $10.9 Billion, Lower Than Projected $12.5 Billion: Sousa

    The revised deficit figure, announced Tuesday by Finance Minister Charles Sousa, is lower than the previously projected $12.5 billion, but critics and opposition leaders remain skeptical about the Liberal government's ability to balance the books in two years, as promised.

    Ontario's Deficit Now At $10.9 Billion, Lower Than Projected $12.5 Billion: Sousa

    Medical Community Skeptical About Ontario's Move To Regulate Homeopaths

    Medical Community Skeptical About Ontario's Move To Regulate Homeopaths
    TORONTO — Ontario's move to regulate the field of homeopathy in a way similar to how it governs doctors and nurses, making it the first province to do so, is being greeted with skepticism from some in the medical and scientific community.

    Medical Community Skeptical About Ontario's Move To Regulate Homeopaths

    Wallin Expensed Private, Business Trips To Toronto And Guelph, RCMP Alleges

    Wallin Expensed Private, Business Trips To Toronto And Guelph, RCMP Alleges
    OTTAWA — The RCMP has filed new documents in court alleging Pamela Wallin submitted 21 travel expense claims to the Senate for reimbursement for private and business trips to Toronto and Guelph.

    Wallin Expensed Private, Business Trips To Toronto And Guelph, RCMP Alleges

    Highlights Of Information Watchdog's Report On Access To Information Reform

    Highlights Of Information Watchdog's Report On Access To Information Reform
    OTTAWA — Highlights of information commissioner Suzanne Legault's special report to Parliament on Access to Information reform:

    Highlights Of Information Watchdog's Report On Access To Information Reform

    Lawsuit Veterans Expecting More Out Of Ottawa In Benefits Overhaul

    Lawsuit Veterans Expecting More Out Of Ottawa In Benefits Overhaul
    OTTAWA — Veterans at the centre of a class-action lawsuit against the federal government are waiting to see whether legislation introduced this week by the Harper government to improve benefits is the beginning, or the end, of reforms to the system.

    Lawsuit Veterans Expecting More Out Of Ottawa In Benefits Overhaul