Contractor-supplier boot camps and request for proposal (RFP) seminars will be offered in communities throughout B.C. to prepare B.C. businesses for the economic opportunity the liquefied natural gas industry offers.

Delivered in partnership with the ministry and Northern Development Initiative Trust, these workshops are a key part of the LNG-Buy BC Program announced at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities’ convention in 2013. 

Boot camp-style workshops will help local businesses to understand procurement opportunities and processes associated with major LNG projects, while request for proposal seminars will guide industry through the RFP process that will help them bid on major contracts. The boot camps and seminars are free to attend and open to all local businesses. 

Three boot camps were offered in Kitimat, Terrace, and Kelowna in April, and two additional boot camps have been scheduled:

• Prince George - May 14
• Prince Rupert - June 2

RFP seminars will be held on the following dates:

• Kelowna - May 27
• Prince Rupert - June 3
• Kitimat - June 4
• Terrace - June 5
• Prince George - Date to be confirmed

In May 2014, the B.C. government will host the 2nd International LNG Conference to link British Columbians with the economic potential emerging today and in the future. “Powering a Strong Economy: British Columbia's LNG in the Global Market” will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre May 21-23, 2014.

The event has three components: a conference, a trade show and an interactive career fair for youth. B.C. businesses will have an opportunity to showcase their capabilities at the trade show to drive business-to-business connections. Contractor-supplier boot camps and RFP seminars also will be held in Vancouver at the LNG conference on the trade show floor.

Quote:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour - 

“We’re working to ensure that B.C. businesses can participate in the opportunity LNG offers. Workshops and seminars will provide practical information including specific tips on what proponents look for in a contractor and the steps small- and medium-sized companies need to do to be ready to take part when these global proponents start looking for B.C.-based suppliers. Premier Christy Clark made a commitment to help B.C. companies connect with the opportunity of LNG and these boot camps and workshop are part of meeting that commitment.”

Quick Facts:

• If five LNG facilities move forward, the cumulative gross domestic product benefit to British Columbia could total $1 trillion.
• LNG export operations in B.C. could create more than 100,000 jobs and new revenues for government to support a debt-free future.

Learn More at:

LNG-Buy BC website: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/lnginbc/lng-buy-bc-program/

LNG Conference website: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/lnginbc/lng-conference/

Northern Development Initiative Trust: http://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/

BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799