Minister Coleman issued the following statement:

"The Province of British Columbia is pleased to hear about this decision and we support the direction the federal government has taken today with respect to CNOOC and Petronas' bids to invest in British Columbia.

"This is another positive step in the development of B.C.'s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry and will allow for major LNG investments in the Province.

"The Petronas and Progress LNG project could create up to 3,500 construction jobs and 300 long-term operational positions.

"Petronas and Progress estimate that their potential investment would be between $9 billion to $11 billion and that LNG exports may begin as early as 2018.

"And Nexen has invested in B.C's shale gas sector and recognizes the potential of our shale gas by acquiring high-quality acreage in our most promising natural gas areas, including the Horn River Basin."

Contact:

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