Statement from Andy Calitz, CEO LNG Canada

VANCOUVER, January 10, 2019 – With a final investment decision made in October providing a green light to both the LNG Canada export facility and Coastal GasLink’s pipeline to proceed into construction, the years of work with First Nations, including elected and Hereditary Chiefs, municipal, provincial and federal governments, northern communities, and thousands of people working in industry in BC, came to fruition.

The level of support received by LNG Canada and Coastal GasLink has been described as unprecedented for a resource development project. Despite opposition Coastal GasLink is currently facing, LNG Canada has every intention to continue to advance our project and maintain our construction schedule to deliver jobs and economic benefits to First Nations, local residents and British Columbians. We are also conscious that any delay can erode confidence in British Columbia and Canada to deliver energy projects.

We recognize it may not be possible to get unanimous support for a major infrastructure project in BC, but we believe Canada’s economy cannot prosper without a growing and healthy resource sector. Projects like our own provide an opportunity that many First Nations and northern communities have not had before and may not see again. There needs to be recognition and respect for the decisions that have been made by 23 First Nations, their members, northern communities and the individuals living there that have put considerable effort and due diligence to come to a decision to support our project.

We also respect the rights of individuals to peacefully express their points of view, as long as their activities do not jeopardize people’s safety and are lawful. We sincerely hope that relationships among Indigenous people who support and oppose LNG development in British Columbia can be mended and healed. We believe that finding a peaceful way forward is in the best interests of everyone involved.