B.C. Premier David Eby speaks in the Legislative Chamber in Victoria, on Jan. 30, 2025.DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press
The B.C. government says it will fast-track an array of resource projects as it seeks to diversify the provincial economy in the face of threatened U.S. tariffs.
The province’s goal is to spur development by speeding up approvals for permits and cutting red tape in general.
“The projects are a blend of energy and critical mineral projects that will draw investments from all over the world,” according a statement released on Tuesday by B.C. Premier David Eby’s office.
“Together, the projects are estimated to be worth approximately $20-billion and will employ approximately 8,000 people across the province.”
The B.C. Premier’s office said the initial list includes Cedar LNG, a project that is under construction in Kitimat, with the goal to export liquefied natural gas to Asia. Cedar, which would have an annual export capacity of 3.3 million tonnes of LNG, is aiming to start shipping to Asia in late 2028.
The Haisla Nation owns 50.1 per cent of Cedar, while Calgary-based Pembina Pipeline Corp. holds 49.9 per cent.
Cedar will use electricity from BC Hydro for powering electric motors that drive compressors for liquefaction.
Industry observers caution that gaining approvals from provincial and federal regulators does not guarantee that companies will forge ahead with major investments. For example, there has been a flurry of energy facilities approved over the past dozen years in B.C., but only one LNG project is near completion – LNG Canada’s export terminal in Kitimat.
Ksi Lisims LNG, backed by the Nisga’a Nation, is undergoing an environmental review, including on climate impacts.
But the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, a U.S.-based research group, envisages a looming supply glut of LNG in the world. As well, climate activists and many Indigenous leaders have warned about the environmental impact of increased resource extraction.
Other projects on Tuesday’s list include the Eskay Creek gold and silver project; expansions at Highland Valley Copper and Red Chris; and the Mount Milligan mine for copper and gold.
“The projects on this list are critical minerals, energy security and clean energy projects that have a business case developed and need some type of permit or approval from government,” the B.C. Premier’s office said.
Topping the list of clean energy plans is the North Coast Transmission project, which would run along the existing route of the line between Prince George and Terrace.
Wind power projects include two for Logan Lake (Highland Valley and Mount Mabel) and seven elsewhere in the province: Brewster in Campbell River; Boulder and Elkhart Wind in Merritt; K2 in Kelowna; Nilhts’i Ecoener in Prince George; Nithi Mountain in Fraser Lake; Stewart Creek in Fort St. John; and Taylor Wind in Taylor.
Also making the list is a solar project at Logan Lake.