KITIMAT, B.C. – Premier David Eby was in Kitimat on Wednesday to celebrate what he called a “historic moment” for the newly operational LNG Canada facility, but offered no firm timeline on a much-anticipated final investment decision for the project’s second phase.
Joined by Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix and LNG Canada CEO Chris Cooper, the Premier marked the facility’s first shipments of liquefied natural gas to Asia, framing the project as a cornerstone of the provincial and national economy.
“Projects like LNG Canada are the reason that B.C. will be the economic engine of a more independent Canada,” Eby said, highlighting the creation of good-paying jobs in the North and the generation of revenue for public services.
However, despite the celebratory tone and growing anticipation from local workers and residents, Eby confirmed that a decision on expanding the project has not yet been reached.
“We’re really excited about the potential for an LNG Canada Phase 2,” he told reporters. “We’re in active conversations with LNG Canada… and we’re hopeful to get the company to a final investment decision.”
LNG Canada CEO Chris Cooper stated the company’s current focus is on fully stabilizing the complex operations of Phase 1, which he described as a “key enabler” for any future expansion. He said the path to a positive investment decision for Phase 2 depends on finding the “right balance between affordability, competitiveness and environment.”
The now-operational Kitimat terminal represents a $40 billion investment, the largest in Canadian private-sector history. At its peak, the project employed over 9,000 skilled workers and has created more than 300 permanent local jobs.
The Premier also defended the project from environmental critics, emphasizing that LNG Canada’s facility produces LNG with 60 per cent lower carbon emissions than the global average, making it a key part of the global energy transition.
The Premier’s stop in Kitimat came just one day after he was in the neighbouring Kitamaat Village to announce a $200 million provincial investment to power the Haisla Nation-led Cedar LNG project with clean hydroelectricity. Together, the two announcements signal the government’s strong commitment to developing a major low-emission LNG export hub in the region.
While the celebrations for Phase 1 are now underway, the future of a potential expansion remains a topic of active negotiation, with the entire region watching closely.
