Following on the success from last year's event, Premier Christy Clark announced British Columbia will once again host an international conference in 2014 on B.C.'s emerging liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry.

"International interest in British Columbia's clean natural gas continues to increase as an exciting new industry takes shape in our province," said Premier Clark. "We will build on that momentum, and host another world-class event which will further our commitments to job creation and economic growth in B.C."

The 2014 conference, Powering a Strong Economy: British Columbia's LNG in the Global Market, will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre from May 21-23, 2014.

The conference will incorporate high profile speakers and include a trade show where businesses can learn more about how to connect with the incredible opportunities linked to LNG under the recently announced LNG-BuyBC program.

As well, WorkBC will be profiled at the conference - showcasing a variety of new tools and information that will help job seekers and employers successfully navigate B.C.'s labour market.

Conference delegates will focus their conversations on First Nations and communities, the environment, and financing LNG. These topics will provide the basis of presentations and panel discussions during the core two-day agenda.

"The growth of our province's natural gas sector has the ability to transform our economy and provide well-paying jobs," said Minister of Natural Gas Development Rich Coleman. "This international forum will bring key people together to further our work to become a world-leader in LNG production and supply - an export opportunity that will create lasting benefits for British Columbians."

In addition to tradeshow contributors, the conference will include participation by global LNG experts, industry proponents from around the world, educators, local governments, community leaders and First Nations.

Registration is now open and can be accessed by visiting: www.LNGinBC.ca

As the conference approaches, more details about Powering a Strong Economy: British Columbia's LNG in the Global Market will be made available at: www.LNGinBC.ca

A backgrounder follows.

Media Contacts:

Sam Oliphant
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 952-7252

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

BACKGROUNDER

2014 Conference a sign of growing opportunity

A liquefied natural gas (LNG) export industry will support a strong economy in the years ahead. The work happening today - by government, industry and key stakeholders - will ensure development continues and a competitive LNG industry is ready to operate in the near future.

Why LNG matters

The need for energy is increasing globally, particularly in emerging Asian economies. Natural gas - the world's cleanest burning fossil fuel - is able to accommodate the demand. In fact, world-wide demand for LNG is projected to increase two-and-a-half times over the next 20 years.

British Columbia is well-positioned to meet this need, with the competitive advantages to become a leading contender for LNG growth and export, including an abundant supply of natural gas which can support economic activity in the province for over 150 years.

Opportunity attracted large crowd for first conference

B.C.'s first-ever international conference - Fuelling the Future: Global Opportunities for LNG in BC - showcased the economic growth and jobs potential of the LNG industry. The conference was a huge success with over 500 people attending the two-day event, Feb. 25 and 26, 2013. First Nations leaders, representatives from 25 B.C. communities, federal and provincial government officials, academics, and 192 companies spanning eight countries participated.

Increasing conference scope to match the opportunity

The 2014 conference is part of the provincial government's commitment to promote B.C. natural gas potential to a global audience and prepare British Columbian's for economic growth.

The LNG industry continues to take strides in British Columbia. In the time since the 2013 conference was held, multiple projects have been announced. There are now up to 12 LNG proposals in the province at various stages of development.

Government commissioned an analysis of the expected benefits earlier this year. Assuming five LNG plants and the supporting pipelines are built, 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. The cumulative gross domestic product benefit to British Columbia could total $1 trillion by 2046.

Increased focus on B.C. benefits

The conference will incorporate new elements to link British Columbians with the economic opportunities emerging today and into the future.

Plans are underway to have a new government initiative - known as LNG-BuyBC - prominently featured during the event. This program will connect B.C. companies, large and small, with the opportunities emerging as a result of LNG planning and development. LNG-Buy BC will co-ordinate with other organizations focussed on procurement to ensure industry proponents have a single online resource that helps them locate B.C.-based businesses for the goods and services they need.

The 2014 event will also connect B.C.'s existing and potential labour pool to emerging opportunities in the natural gas sector.

Prosperity for future generations

The government of British Columbia is proactively pursuing LNG export development because it will create jobs and economic growth. As part of government's LNG plans and commitment to strengthen the economy, work is underway to finalize a BC Prosperity Fund. This fund will secure over $100 billion in future wealth to help government eliminate the provincial debt over time, reduce cost burdens on families and support important services like health care and education.

Media Contacts:

Sam Oliphant
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 952-7252

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