Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, begins a tour of northwest British Columbia today, with stops in Prince Rupert, Port Edward, Terrace and Kitimat to discuss anticipated impacts of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry's expansion on communities in the region.

Northwest B.C. is positioned to face historic employment and investment growth as the province's LNG industry develops. During peak construction years for LNG projects, it is estimated that 60,000 workers will be needed provincewide, with many large projects slated for the northwest.

Oakes will meet with elected officials, municipal staff, business and community leaders to hear the interests of each community, and as the new Minister for Communities, launch the relationship building and communication necessary between the Province and local governments as LNG development moves forward in the northwest.

Quote:

Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister Coralee Oakes -

"I want to hear ideas on how we can prepare for the generational opportunity of LNG development. I look forward to meeting people from the great communities of northwest British Columbia and working hard on their behalf in Victoria. Through my service as a Quesnel city councillor and North Central Local Government Association director, I can bring personal local government experience to the table as we move forward together."

Learn More:

Check out the B.C. government's role in supporting communities throughout the province through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/cscd

For an update on B.C.'s LNG strategy, visit: http://www.gov.bc.ca/com/attachments/LNGreport_update2013_web130207.pdf

Contact:

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 387-4089