Legislation tabled in the B.C. legislature puts in motion ratification of the Province’s first project agreement with an LNG proponent, marking an integral phase in the development of B.C.’s liquefied natural gas industry, Premier Christy Clark announced today.

"Three principles underpin these agreements: to give business certainty and keep British Columbia competitive; to ensure British Columbians see the benefits of the resource they own; and to ensure we build the cleanest LNG facilities in the world," said Premier Clark.

Finance Minister Michael de Jong tabled Bill 30, the Liquefied Natural Gas Project Agreements Act, which provides the legislative authority for government to enter into LNG project agreements. LNG project agreements are a tool used to grant proponents considering large-scale capital investments in B.C. with assurance that certain specific taxes and environmental regulations will remain stable over a period of time.

“Since the outset of this project, our government has pledged to proceed openly and transparently,” said de Jong. “By seeking ratification of the legislation enabling project agreements via the Legislative Assembly, we are meeting that commitment and ensuring that we have the support of British Columbians as we pursue LNG development in B.C.”

The bill outlines four areas in which the Province provides proponents with protection under a project agreement. Changes to these areas may trigger indemnification. The four areas are:

• The LNG Income Tax.
• The Natural Gas Tax Credit.
• The Carbon Tax (specific to liquefying natural gas at an LNG facility).
• The key features of greenhouse gas emissions regulatory scheme at an LNG facility.

“Today is about putting legislation in place so our vast supply of natural gas can reach new markets,” said Minister of Natural Gas Development Rich Coleman. “Project development agreements provide industry with the certainty they need to invest in the province's potential to create a new export industry and thousands of jobs for British Columbians.”

The first project agreement with Pacific NorthWest LNG was publicly released on July 6, 2015. This agreement represents an investment of US$36 billion, or approximately C$45.6 billion - the largest capital investment in B.C.’s history. At peak construction, the project will create 4,500 jobs, with 300 operational long-term jobs and 300 local spin-off jobs. The project is expected to generate an estimated $8.6 billion in provincial revenue by 2030 through taxes and royalties.

Quick Facts:

• Between 2015 and 2020, Asian economic growth and the switch to a cleaner fuel will almost double the demand for liquefied natural gas.
• B.C. has a natural gas supply estimated at 2,933 trillion cubic feet. This could support domestic and export markets for the next 150 years.
• Natural gas is the cleanest-burning of all fossil fuels and results in lower greenhouse gas emissions and pollution when it replaces coal-fired generation.

Learn More:

For more information on Liquid Natural Gas in British Columbia, check out LNG in BC: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/lnginbc/

Factsheet: Strong framework for a new industry benefits B.C. https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/factsheet-strong-framework-for-a-new-industry-benefits-bc

Factsheet: Further key measures in Project Development Agreement https://news.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/factsheet-further-key-measures-in-project-development-agreement

A copy of the Project Development Agreement is available: http://ow.ly/PfXxd

Media Contacts:

Sam Oliphant
Press Secretary
Office of Premier
250 952-7252

Jamie Edwardson
Ministry of Finance
250 356-2821

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