Family Focus for Many Residents
No more rumours, LNG is officially coming to Kitimat and, with it, thousands of new jobs.
But, while jobs have many residents excited, it’s the return of family members forced to move to greener pastures that has the community applauding today’s announcement.
For a community that has been forced to watch so many members restart their lives elsewhere, the stability the 40 billion dollar project offers is cause for celebration.
New Services Coming to Town
While the return of family has many excited for LNG in Kitimat, it’s just one aspect that has residents raving over the future.
For many it’s the new services and improvements to existing programs which the project sets the stage for.
The project is expected to generate 23 billion dollars in public revenue over its first 40 years, which will be invested back in to the community.
Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth
While many are contemplating LNG Canada’s future in Kitimat, Mayor Phil Germuth took the time to thank them for what they’ve already done.
According to Germuth, the company is making great strides to ensure that the jobs created by the company remain within the community.
The project is expected to bring more than 10 thousand new jobs during construction, with 950 permanent positions being created once the facility is built.
Nathan Cullen
Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen is welcoming LNG Canada’s 40 billion dollar investment in Kitimat, while stressing the importance of continued communication with First Nations.
Cullen says that First Nations bands have legitimate concerns over the project and that LNG Canada must ensure further consultation before final permits are issued.
He did add that he was proud of the consultation performed thus far and of the provincial government’s efforts to mitigate the project’s environmental impacts.
Terrace Mayor Carol Leclerc
Terrace Mayor Carol Leclerc believes that LNG Canada’s investment in Kitimat could have a wider ranging impact on the northwest.
According to the Mayor, the investment opens the door for other investors who have been on the fence regarding the region.
She went on to say that the investment could encourage years of further growth for the region, while also providing decades of stability.
Just the Facts
This morning, LNG Canada announced a much anticipated final investment decision on their 40 billion dollar liquefaction plant in Kitimat.
After being delayed in 2016, the investment was made possible thanks to the approval of LNG Canada’s 5 joint venture investment partners: Royal Dutch Shell, Malaysia’s Petroliam Nasional Bhd, Mitsubishi Corp., PetroChina Co. and Korea Gas Corp.
The project not only represents the first large-scale LNG project in Canada, but also becomes the largest private sector investment in Canada’s history.
The project is expected to bring in 23 billion dollars in revenue over the next 40 years, which will be invested in health care, schools, child care, and other key public services.
Twenty five First Nations along the route of the Coastal GasLink Pipeline, which will fuel the facility, were consulted and gave their support for the project, along with the mayors of 14 communities along the route.
The project will bring an estimated 10 thousand jobs to the region while it undergoes construction, and leave 950 to operate the plant once construction wraps up near the middle of next decade.
