Canadian Government approves Pacific North West LNG project

The Canadian Government has given the green light to the Pacific North West LNG project after a rigorous federal environmental assessment.

The C$11bn ($8.3bn) project, approved by the Federal cabinet, is said to offer new opportunities and also help in the country’s economic growth since it is Canada’s largest resource development project, with a total capital investment of up to C$36bn ($27.2bn) when accounting for upstream natural gas development.

Canada Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr said: “The Pacific North West LNG Project will deliver thousands of good middle-class jobs and will help pay for schools and roads and social programmes that enrich people's lives.

“We are moving forward with natural resource development in a sustainable manner, because we have an obligation to leave the planet in better shape than we found it. This is an exciting day for British Columbia, Canada and the natural gas industry in this country.”

Upon commencement of the construction works, the project is estimated to create nearly 4,500 jobs, as well as 630 direct and indirect jobs when the facility is operational.

It is reported that the project will also be beneficial to the local First Nations communities through the agreements reached with the proponent.

The project is subject to more than 190 legally binding conditions for limiting its impact on the environment.

The Pacific North West LNG project will be subject to a thorough set of compliance and enforcement rules, including the establishment of environmental monitoring committees comprised of indigenous peoples, and federal and provincial representatives.

Technical experts will be constantly monitoring the project and also have the authority to halt its activities in case they do not comply with the conditions.