BC Business
Rendering of LNG Canada's plant in Kitimat
Rendering of LNG Canada’s plant in Kitimat
Not dead yet. The LNG joint venture led by Royal Dutch Shell PLC has delayed its final investment decision on building a $40-billion export terminal in the northern British Columbia town of Kitimat. A decision on whether Shell and its three partners would proceed was expected by the end of 2016, but Andy Calitz, CEO of LNG Canada, has stated that there is now no timeline for a decision. “It has not been cancelled,” he told reporters in a conference call. (Globe and Mail)
“Alberta has lost its focus.” With global demand falling for B.C.-produced LNG, Christy Clark might well regret her swipe at Alberta in the February 9 throne speech, which criticized Alberta’s overreliance on its oil industry. Now, as B.C.’s LNG hopes fade, reporter Jameson Berkow says that the province finds itself in much the same position as its western neighbour. (BNN)
Don’t blame Harper. Responding to reporters’ questions on the Federal Court of Appeal’s ruling, which revoked federal approval of Enbridge’s $7.9-billion pipeline project on the basis that Ottawa did not adequately consult with First Nations, Rona Ambrose blamed officials. The interim Conservative leader said that Justice Department officials made the recommendations on how much consultation was necessary. (Vancouver Sun)
Day in court. The owner of the Mount Polley mine in British Columbia’s Interior has sued two engineering firms for damages over a disastrous dam collapse two years ago. Imperial Metals has filed a lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court alleging negligence and breach of contract by Knight Piesold and AMEC, now Amec Foster Wheeler. The dam failed on August 4, 2014, spilling 24 million cubic metres of waste and water into nearby lakes and rivers and forcing the gold and copper mine to close until recently. (Vancouver Sun)
Talk is cheap. The recent agreement among the Three Amigos to reduce methane emissions in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico by 45 per cent by 2025 was hailed as a significant move toward the Paris climate summit goals. Much of the effort will focus on the oil and gas industry, which is the biggest contributor to methane emissions through natural gas released into the atmosphere. Now that the talks are over, how does each country ensure the targets are met? (CBC)