"We need to make the most of the situation and take our place on the world stage for the sake of global emissions, and not for the sake of politics. B.C. does LNG and oil extraction in more a responsible way than anyone else in the world." -- Skeena MLA Ellis Ross speaking Monday in the Legislature on themes of LNG development
With a recent LNG conference in Vancouver providing for the background for some renewed optimism for British Columbia's energy sector, Skeena MLA Ellis Ross brought some of those themes to the Legislature on Monday morning urging the British Columbia Government not to let opportunity slip away.
Speaking to a private members statement on the fuelling of BC, the MLA recounted for the Legislature how other jurisdictions such as Oregon and Washington state are watching how the province approaches the development of the industry, ready to take advantage of global opportunities should British Columbia stumble.
He pointed towards the rhetoric and fighting against fossil fuel development as one area that may give the Americans and others that opportunity to develop their own facilities as something that British Columbia should be watchful for.
All that fighting against fossil fuels does is enrich our neighbours and competitors around the world. For years, Oregon has been keeping a close eye on B.C. LNG, hoping to capitalize on B.C.'s politics and rhetoric, in the hopes we wouldn't approve our own LNG projects, because they hope to buy B.C. LNG at a discount in the same manner the U.S. does with Canadian oil.
Thankfully, B.C. came to its senses, and as a result, LNG Canada made its final investment decision. Now it's time to focus on Chevron's KM LNG, Haisla's Cedar LNG and Squamish Woodfibre LNG, not only for the emission reductions but also so the LNG doesn't end up being exported out of American ports at our expense.
This is absolutely no time for us to be overly polite or hesitant, because if we don't go out and fight for the interests of B.C. and our way of life, no one else will. It goes without saying what these projects will do for our economy, employment and government finances.
The Skeena MLA raised some of his concerns over how the politics of today frames the topic, calling for some 'political stability' for the file if the province is to move forward.
The leader of the federal NDP has put B.C. LNG squarely back in the arena of politics, and this is not a partisan statement. This is just the reality. The only thing he's made clear is that the party's position is not to have a position, which is incredibly dangerous at a time when fighting for Canadian and British Columbians' interests is so important.
In fact, if anything, there is now an identity crisis in federal politics, whereas the leader of the Green Party is now saying that we should only use Canadian oil and not foreign-imported oil, but we should use oil for the many plastics, rubber, paint and other such products that we currently use it for. This is identity crisis.
We need political stability on this file. We need to build on what we have achieved with First Nations and industry, and we need to recognize the importance of oil and gas in our daily lives. The future of oil and gas and the future of LNG is in B.C.
Ross also called attention to the growing demand for Natural gas, particularly from Asian countries, making note that as China transits from coal to gas, the opportunities to supply that market and many others across the Pacific will be available for Canada to tap into.
It makes for a moment that the MLA observed, that offers Canada and British Columbia a chance to help in efforts to reduce China's emissions footprint, while building the British Columbia economy.
Between 2020 and 2040, we're expecting the gas market in China to expand by close to 40 percent. On a global scale, about two-thirds of gas-demand growth is going to come from China. We have battled many forces in getting LNG approved in B.C. and will continue to do so on the legitimate issues.
Pandering for votes at this stage if the game is not a legitimate issue. If we want to reduce China's emissions, build B.C.'s economy and pay for social infrastructure in B.C., we, as leaders, have to fight against partisan opposition at all levels, especially on LNG.
You can review his full statement to the Legislature here, it is also available from the BC Legislature's Video feed below:
For more items of note on the work of Mr. Ross in the Legislature see our archive page here.
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