Minister of Natural Gas Development Rich Coleman was on hand to celebrate the opening of Pacific NorthWest LNG's community office in Prince Rupert.

The community office is located at 105 - 515 3rd Ave. West, Prince Rupert. The new office features infographics explaining the LNG process, electronic access to the project website and information about contracting opportunities and employment. When the office opens full-time in January it will be the first LNG community office in Prince Rupert.

Pacific NorthWest LNG is a proposed $9 - 11 billion LNG export facility on Lelu Island within the District of Port Edward on land administered by the Prince Rupert Port Authority. The proposed facility would export natural gas produced by Progress Energy Canada in northeast B.C.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development -

"This project has the potential to bring hundreds of jobs to the Northwest and be a long-term engine for economic growth in this region. By opening this community office Pacific NorthWest LNG is making it easier for residents to learn more about the project and get involved."

Greg Kist, president of Pacific NorthWest LNG -

"Today's official opening of our community office is representative of our commitment to the communities, including First Nations, in northwest British Columbia. Starting in the new year, residents and businesses will be able to use the office as a place to gather more information on our project, have their questions answered and discuss potential employment opportunities in the construction and operational phases of our project."

Jack Mussallem, mayor of

"We are optimistic about the prospect of LNG development for our community. Pacific NorthWest LNG is proving they want to invest long-term in the Prince Rupert region by building a positive relationship with our community now."

Dave MacDonald, mayor of Port Edward -

"We want to make sure our residents are first in line for LNG jobs and this community office will be a great resource for anyone interested to find out more about employment opportunities."

Quick Facts:

• According to the company, the Pacific NorthWest LNG facility could create up to 3,500 direct construction jobs and 200 - 300 new long-term operational jobs.
• The National Energy board has approved Pacific NorthWest LNG's application for an export license.
• The project is currently in the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the BC Environmental Assessment Office processes.
• PETRONAS is a majority owner of both Pacific NorthWest LNG and Progress Energy Canada. JAPEX and PetroleumBRUNEI are minority shareholders in the Pacific NorthWest LNG proposal.

Learn More:

Pacific NorthWest LNG: http://pacificnorthwestlng.com/

LNG 101: http://www.gov.bc.ca/mngd/doc/LNG101.pdf

Media Contact:

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

Spencer Sproule
Corporate Affairs
Pacific NortWest LNG
604 828-7680
ssproule@pnwlng.com