WHISTLER — Any LNG projects developed in BC should only be allowed to proceed if they expressly guarantee good-paying jobs and training opportunitiesfor BC workers, and benefits for families and communities in every part of the province, said BC New Democrat leader John Horgan in his speech to the Union of BC Municipalities today in Whistler.
The jobs and traini
ng guarantee is one of four guiding principles Horgan laid out for any LNG projects to move forward in British Columbia. And he’s calling on the Clark government to make sure each proponent commits to these principles, or move on to the next proposal.
Horgan’s second principle call for British Columbians to receive a fair return for the resource that belongs to them. Third, that government respects and makes partners of First Nations and recognizes their right to a share in any the benefits that may flow from LNG. Finally, that our air, water and land must be protected, and British Columbia’s LNG industry must be the cleanest it can be.
“These are minimum requirements for my support,” said Horgan.
“LNG developments must be about building communities – not camps. About jobs and opportunities for BC workers and families. About partnership with First Nations. About protecting our air, water and land. And about returning a benefit to all British Columbians.”
Horgan also spoke about the BC Public Sector Compensation Review; “This is a one-sided, politically motivated report, and it was timed to bully and try to shame local governments.”
On Minister of Transportation Todd Stone’s reply to the UBCM BC Ferries report, Horgan noted, “that’s typical of this government’s three-step approach when problems are brought to their attention. Step one: Ignore. Step two: Minimize. Step three: Blame.”