Honourable Josie Osbourne
Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
Room 325 Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
Dear Minister Osborne,
I am writing to you as the Shadow Minister of Energy and LNG to express my concerns and seek clarity on a matter of significant importance to our province, particularly to the northern communities that rely on the energy sector for their livelihoods.
As we approach the final stages of the construction of phase one of the LNG Canada project, I have heard the growing concerns of local workers in the Peace Region energy sector. They are worried they may not receive the opportunities they were hoping for from this project due to legislation introduced by your NDP government in 2019 that removes incentives to use B.C.-produced gas. The LNG Canada project has the potential to boost our economy and provide good jobs for people in British Columbia. However, your government must ensure that these jobs remain local.
Northern communities are worried, as this legislation has cast major uncertainty over the future of the resource sector in our province. It is essential to remember the energy sector is not just a source of economic growth; it is also a lifeline for many British Columbians who rely on these jobs to support their families and sustain their communities.
This situation has raised concerns that essential jobs might move to Alberta, which could bring economic difficulties for our local workforce. To prevent this from happening, we need to take concrete steps to ensure that natural gas produced in British Columbia is made a priority and exported from the LNG Canada facility.
Will you and your government commit to taking concrete actions to guarantee that B.C.-produced gas is prioritized and exported from the LNG Canada facility? This commitment would protect and create jobs in our province and send a clear message to the northern communities that their contributions to our resource sector are valued and protected.
I look forward to your response.
Regards,
Ellis Ross
BC United Shadow Minister for Energy and LNG
MLA for Skeena
cc: MLA Michael Lee, Shadow Minister for Indigenous
MLA Tom Shypitka, Shadow Minister for Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
