Canadian Minister Delivers Keynote Address at LNG Conference in BC

Joe Oliver, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, delivered keynote remarks at “Fuelling the Future: Global Opportunities for LNG in B.C.,” British Columbia’s first international liquefied natural gas (LNG) conference.

“Our Government’s plan for Responsible Resource Development supports jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity in British Columbia and across Canada,” said Minister Oliver. “This inclusive plan for shared prosperity demonstrates leadership to increase markets for Canadian LNG while introducing new, practical environmental protections.”

Currently, all Canadian natural gas exports are to the United States. Responsible development and export of Canadian natural gas to other markets represents a critical economic opportunity for British Columbia and the entire country. Revenues from natural resource exports also generate critical revenue for important social programs such as health care and education. LNG terminals mean thousands of high-quality jobs and economic growth in Canada, as well as positioning ourselves to become a major source of LNG for expanding economies in Asia.

“The Harper Government is aggressively working to help Canadian businesses create new markets in the Asia–Pacific region,” said Minister Oliver. “Global energy demand is expected to increase by 35 percent from 2010 to 2035 and Canada is well positioned to support that demand.”

The natural gas industry took a step closer to accessing world markets yesterday with the Minister’s announcement of the approval of LNG Canada’s long-term LNG export licence. The 25-year licence allows for the export of up to 24 million tonnes of LNG per year from the terminal proposed by the Shell consortium in Kitimat.

Minister Oliver also outlined how the Government is increasing the efficiency of Canada’s system of resource development by introducing new environmental protections and eliminating wasteful duplication in the assessment process, which was requested by the provinces at successive meetings of federal, provincial and territorial energy ministers.

“Our Government remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security,” concluded Minister Oliver.

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LNG World News Staff, February 27, 2013; Image: nrcan.gc.ca