Representing business
The BC Chamber of Commerce functions to “drive insights to its partners, government and Chamber network.” The Chamber feels that it can speak on behalf of the B.C. business community.
“The decision to not proceed with the Pacific NorthWest LNG terminal is a loss for B.C., but there is still a window of opportunity to build a world-leading LNG industry,” said Val Litwin, President &CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce.
In a statement released immediately following Tuesday’s Petronas-led decision to not proceed with building its Pacific NorthWest Liquid Natural Gas (PNW LNG) terminal in Port Edward 15 km south of Prince Rupert, the BC Chamber believes that liquid natural gas projects are still possible in B.C.
As the province’s largest and most broadly-based business organization “with 36,000 members hailing from every nook and cranny of the province, the BC Chamber knows what’s on BC’s mind,” the press release claimed.
BC Business still hopeful
It is appears that the BC Chamber of Commerce is hopeful and still squarely in the denial stage of grief following the inauguration of a new BC NDP government. The Chamber’s sentiment is distinctly Liberal as seen in the following statement:
“Although market conditions will always determine the ultimate viability of a project, to help “get to YES”, B.C.’s emerging LNG industry is committed to meeting the highest environmental and regulatory standards in the world. However, timing will be critical to ensure B.C. can realize the thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in benefits that will come from a sustainable LNG industry.”
NDP conditions are not obstacles
Premier Horgan’s “four conditions” that all LNG proposals must meet, as laid out in the recent mandate letter to the Minister of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources, are supported by the BC Chamber. Indeed, the BC Chamber sees the conditions as essential guidelines, not obstacles on our way to creating a world-class LNG industry.
LNG supports strong economy
“A LNG industry would not only help to secure a strong economic future of our province, but it would also provide a boost to the Canadian economy as we look to export clean energy to global markets.”
“The BC Chamber will continue to keep its focus on ensuring British Columbian’s understand the benefits that will come from a sustainable LNG industry that meets only the highest standards,” says Chamber president, Val Litwin.
-files from press release by Neha Prihar, 604-638-8114, nprihar@bcchamber.org