Premier Christy Clark says she’s confident British Columbia will see the development of an LNG industry in the province despite lower global prices and pushback from opponents. Speaking at the third annual International LNG in BC Conference, Premier Clark told a business, aboriginal and energy-sector audience that she believes major projects will move forward, generating long-promised economic growth and well-paying jobs that will benefit British Columbians.
“If you’re not from British Columbia, you won’t know that I’m always accused by my political opponents of being an optimist,” she said. “It’s true. I am an optimist. I’m also a hard worker, because I know that optimism doesn’t get you anywhere unless you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and get the work done.”
Buoying Premier Clark was talk by LNG project proponents at the conference who said they remain committed to developing the industry in B.C. and that they’re in it for the long haul. They said that while global prices for natural gas are cyclical, they anticipate there will continue to be long-term demand for their product from a variety of economic sectors for a variety of uses, including electricity generation and transportation.
Another welcome development was the Squamish Nation’s conditional approval of the Woodfibre LNG project. Premier Clark welcomed the development, and said it demonstrates First Nations’ recognition of LNG’s economic benefits for them.”The LNG opportunity truly does represent a chance to redress historical wrongs, to change the course of post-colonial history and make sure that First Nations are fully included in economic growth,” Premier Clark said.
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The three main parties are still locked in a statistical tie in B.C. (at right), the latest 
