For Immediate Release
Jan. 22, 2019
VANCOUVER, B.C. — The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s President and CEO, Hon. Iain Black, is heading to Prince George today for the 16th Annual BC Natural Resources Forum.
In advance of the forum, the Board of Trade is reaffirming its support for Canada’s resource industries, including the historic $40-billion LNG Canada megaproject in Northern British Columbia.
Last fall, LNG Canada received the go ahead to begin construction on an LNG export facility in Kitimat, while Coastal GasLink was given the green light to build a 670-kilometre pipeline to transport natural gas from northeastern B.C. to the Kitimat facility.
It is the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s view that this extensive project — which represents the single largest private-sector investment in Canadian history — is of critical importance to our province and country, given that responsible natural resource development remains a vital part of our economy. At its peak, the project could create upwards of 7,500 construction jobs and 800 operational jobs, which has the potential to transform lives in rural areas of B.C. and create economic prosperity in Indigenous and local communities.
LNG Canada and Coastal GasLink have followed the process and received environmental and regulatory permits required to build the project. In addition, they undertook extensive consultation and engagement with Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members, resulting in unprecedented support, including the elected leadership of all 20 First Nations along the route. According to LNG Canada, over the life of the project, billions of dollars will be provided to First Nations in capacity building, training, education, contracting and employment and community payments.
The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade is calling on our provincial and federal governments to continue their support for LNG Canada and take the necessary steps to ensure the project is completed. Doing so will reinforce investor confidence in Canada as a place to do business, and will lead to a wide range of social and economic benefits for British Columbia.
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About the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade:
Since its inception in 1887, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has been recognized as Pacific Canada’s leading business association, engaging members to impact public policy at all levels of government and to succeed and prosper in the global economy. With a Membership whose employees comprise one-third of B.C.’s workforce, we are the largest business association between Victoria and Toronto. We leverage this collective strength, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing professional development through four unique Signature Programs. In addition, we operate one of the largest events programs in the country, providing a platform for national and international thought leaders to enlighten B.C.’s business leaders.
Notes:
- The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s President and CEO, Hon. Iain Black, will be in Prince George from Jan. 22 – 24 for the 16th Annual BC Natural Resources Forum.
- Hon. Iain Black will moderate an on-stage Q&A session with Hon. Amarjeet Sohi, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, on Jan. 23. For more info, visit bcnaturalresourcesforum.com.
- For media enquiries, please email .
