British Columbia will host Canada's first international conference focused on liquefied natural gas (LNG). The details were announced today by Minister Rich Coleman.

The conference, Fuelling the Future: Global Opportunities for LNG in BC, will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre on Feb. 25 and 26, 2013. The Province of British Columbia and natural gas LNG proponents will join First Nations leaders, local governments, learning institutions, global investors, and domestic and international consumers to discuss the status of B.C.'s LNG industry. Multiple panel discussions are planned, with topics focusing on global market developments, regulatory best practices and skills development for future labour needs.

Prior to the conference, a labour demand outlook for the natural gas sector will be released by training authorities and industry, with the support of the government of B.C. It will outline what jobs will be needed, where they will be needed and when. These details will be the subject of a panel discussion at the conference.

As part of the BC Jobs Plan, British Columbia plans to have three LNG facilities operating by 2020. The construction of three large LNG and connecting pipelines could result in up to 1,400 ongoing jobs, with many indirect jobs being created to support the natural gas sector's operations. The job numbers increase with the prospect of additional LNG projects being built.

More details about Fuelling the Future: Global Opportunities for LNG in BC will be released in December at: www.gov.bc.ca/ener/

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas -

"This conference represents a significant milestone in our work to build a new industry in British Columbia. Industry and industry experts from around the world are coming here to discuss our LNG future. Our ability to attract a global audience for this conference is testament to our progress and an opportunity to maintain the momentum we have created."

Doug Bloom, president, Spectra Energy Transmission West -

"Developing new markets for B.C.'s abundant natural gas supplies holds tremendous promise for the Province. It will help drive continued investment in finding and producing natural gas, create jobs, and help secure B.C.'s position as an energy leader."

Tim Wall, president of Apache Canada -

"Apache is proud to be part of the opportunities that LNG represents for the First Nations, the Province and local communities."

Michael Culbert, president and CEO of Progress Energy Resources Corp (a partner in the PETRONAS-Progress LNG Project) -

"A new LNG industry in British Columbia will open up new markets for Canada's natural gas and represents significant increases in revenues and royalties for government, and the opportunity for economic benefits to the local communities and First Nations."

Quick Facts:

• If five LNG plants become operational, the projects would contribute more than $1 trillion to the provincial economy over the next 30 years.
• The Canadian Energy Research Institute estimates direct employment in B.C.'s natural gas sector will grow to as many as 40,000 people by 2035, a significant increase from 12,000 people employed in the natural gas industry as of 2010.

Learn More:

• To learn more about British Columbia's natural gas sector, including full details about government's LNG goals, visit: gov.bc.ca/ener/natural_gas_strategy.html
• Details about Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan can be found at: www.bcjobsplan.ca/
• More information about Spectra Energy and BG Group's proposed natural gas system to support LNG and the new opportunities growing from B.C. natural gas can be found at: www.energyforbc.ca
• More information about the Kitimat LNG facility, proposed by the KM LNG Operating General Partnership and its managing partner, Apache Canada, can be found at: http://www.kitimatlngfacility.com/
• More information on the PETRONAS-Progress LNG Export Project can be found at www.petronasprogresslng.com

Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas
250 952-0617