Canada Welcomes Anticipated Construction of One of the World's Cleanest LNG Facilities

From: Department of Finance Canada

News release

August 9, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Department of Finance Canada

In a world increasingly seeking clean, affordable and reliable energy sources, Canada is positioned to become a supplier of choice—creating good, well-paying jobs for Canadian workers in the process.

Today, Finance Minister Bill Morneau welcomed Woodfibre LNG’s announcement that it has placed an order for a cryogenic heat exchanger – a critical next step in the construction of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) project near Squamish, British Columbia. The company’s final investment decision, which will allow construction to proceed, is expected before the end of the summer. This project will create more than 650 jobs during construction, with more than a 100 of those jobs continuing once the project is operational. It will also provide significant economic opportunities for local Indigenous communities and contribute to the area’s long-term economic growth.

In keeping with previous public statements that trade barriers would not be permitted to stand in the way of these historic private sector investments, the Government is providing relief from duties on fabricated steel contained in modules for the Woodfibre LNG project as well as the previously announced LNG Canada project, which is the single largest private sector investment in Canadian history. These modules are key components used in the construction of LNG facilities, and relief is being provided because modules of the size and complexity required for these projects are not available in Canada.

In providing this relief, the Government is reaffirming its strong commitment to supporting investments that deliver significant economic and environmental benefits for Canadians. With increased exports to some of the world's fastest-growing economies in Asia, Canada's natural gas sector is poised for strong and continued growth. Woodfibre LNG and LNG Canada alone are expected to create more than 10,000 good jobs and help continue the shift toward the use of more clean energy worldwide. These projects will also require a range of steel products in addition to the modules, creating more good jobs and opportunities for Canada's steel producers and workers.

Quotes

"As Canada’s transition to a cleaner future gains momentum, our Government will continue to support projects that have the potential to meet our energy needs while helping more people get ahead. Woodfibre LNG, along with LNG Canada, are prime examples of how economic growth, environmental protection and partnerships with Indigenous Peoples can come together to create good, well-paying middle class jobs."

- Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance

"We want to see sustainable Canadian energy powering the world – creating jobs and helping the world lower overall carbon pollution. Today's announcement is another step in making this crucial project a reality."

- Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources

Quick facts

  • The Woodfibre LNG project will include a liquid natural gas processing and export facility. The capital costs of the project are expected to be in the range of $1.4 billion to $1.8 billion.

  • The Woodfibre LNG project is the first industrial project to undergo Squamish Nation's environmental assessment process and is the first industrial project in Canada to be awarded an environmental certificate by an Indigenous government.

  • Woodfibre LNG will be powered by clean, renewable hydroelectricity, which will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 80 per cent and result in Woodfibre LNG being one of the cleanest LNG facilities in the world.

  • Remission of anti-dumping and countervailing duties is generally provided only in situations where there are exceptional circumstances, such as domestic short supply.

  • The LNG Canada project is a $40 billion project, located in Kitimat, B.C., that includes a liquefaction facility, a 670 km pipeline from Dawson Creek and a marine terminal.

Associated links

Contacts

Media may contact:

Pierre-Olivier Herbert
Director of Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Finance
pierre-olivier.herbert@canada.ca
613-369-5696

Media Relations
Department of Finance Canada
fin.media-media.fin@canada.ca
613-369-4000

General enquiries

Phone: 613-369-3710
Facsimile: 613-369-4065
TTY: 613-369-3230
E-mail: fin.financepublic-financepublique.fin@canada.ca

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