Minister of Natural Gas Development Rich Coleman released the following statement regarding an agreement with Fortis and Hawaiian Electric on May 19, 2016:

“Congratulations to Fortis and the Hawaiian Electric Company for signing one of the first agreements to export B.C. LNG.

“The agreement showcases British Columbia’s capacity to supply clean energy to new markets and our potential to create jobs and long-term economic growth through the development of our natural gas sector.

“As a result, Hawaiian Electric will be in a position to decrease its reliance on imported oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the state's transition to 100 per cent renewable energy.

“Thanks to Fortis’ vision, the Tilbury facility is currently undergoing a $400-million expansion to serve the British Columbia market. This is creating contract work for over 100 companies in B.C. and jobs for British Columbians. To date, more than 470 tradespeople have registered for work on the project, logging 65,000 full-time equivalent hours so far.

“Fortis’ foresight will now lead to further expansion of the facility to help British Columbia meet the export demand for B.C. LNG and grow our economy for the future benefit of all British Columbians.”