Establishing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry in British Columbia moved a major step closer to reality today when the National Energy Board (NEB) approved a 20-year export licence for the Kitimat LNG facility - the first license of its kind in Canada.

"Export approval for the Kitimat LNG facility is great news for our province and supports the Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan by opening up our natural gas sector to new, important markets," said Premier Christy Clark. "British Columbia is on the verge of growth and new economic opportunity with the diversification of our natural gas sector and we are well on our way of establishing the LNG infrastructure to make it happen."

The establishment of a LNG export industry supports the BC Jobs Plan by building on the province's strengths to create jobs. The plan is built on three main pillars:

• Expanding markets for B.C. products, particularly in Asia.
• Strengthening our infrastructure to get our goods to market.
• Working with employers and communities to enable job creation.

With the capacity to supply B.C.'s natural gas to new markets, demand will increase for the province's energy resources and investment will be secured for ongoing development. Long-term jobs and business opportunities will be available for northeast communities. The Kitimat LNG facility itself will create approximately 1,500 person-years of work during its construction phase and 120-140 permanent positions once the terminal is in operation. The facility will be supplied natural gas from through the Pacific Trail Pipeline (PTP), which is expected to create another 1,500 construction jobs.

With the Kitimat LNG export licence now approved, the Province will focus on securing the necessary approvals and permits required for industry are processed in a timely manner, while ensuring environmental standards are upheld and that First Nations are consulted. British Columbia has made a commitment to grow a viable LNG industry with the goal of seeing the Kitimat LNG facility in operation by 2015, and up to three LNG plants established by 2020.

The Kitimat LNG operation is a proposed project by Apache Canada Ltd., EOG Resources Inc, and Encana Corporation. A final investment decision is expected to be made in the early part of 2012 and construction would likely begin soon after.

The full B.C. Jobs Plan report can be found at: www.bcjobsplan.ca

Learn More:

• The National Energy Board website

Contact:

Chris Olsen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
604 220-1640