Minister of Natural Gas Development Rich Coleman completed his tour of northwest British Columbia today, having discussed the benefits of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector with communities in the region.

Work is already well underway to prepare northwest B.C. for historic employment and investment growth as the province's LNG industry develops. Coleman toured six proposed LNG sites to see the work on the ground - including a 300-person work camp, remediation work at old industrial sites, and existing port facilities.

Coleman also met with business leaders and representatives from local governments and First Nations to hear their interests and their needs to ensure they benefit from the LNG industry.

Photo of Coleman touring the construction at Kitimat LNG: http://flic.kr/p/fKftTT

Quote:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development -

"Seeing first-hand some of the proposed LNG sites, and speaking with representatives from industry and local communities, reinforces my confidence that building LNG is the best thing we can do for B.C."

Quick Facts:

• There are currently more than 10 proposed LNG projects in B.C., three of which already have approved export licences from the National Energy Board.

• Assuming two larger and three smaller-sized LNG plants, along with supporting pipelines, the ministry anticipates on average more than 39,000 annual jobs will be created over a nine-year construction period and 75,000 jobs once these plants are fully operational.

• Since last year, companies have invested more than $6 billion in B.C. to acquire upstream natural-gas assets and secure the development of pipelines and LNG plants in B.C.

Learn More:

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

British Columbia's Liquefied Natural Gas Strategy: http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/LNGreport_web_130627.pdf

Media Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Media Relations
Ministry of Natural Gas Development
250 952-0617