Pacific NorthWest LNG was always a long shot. The greenfield project posed an unacceptable risk to sensitive salmon habitat, and required long shipping distances for export.
It threatened to be one of the largest carbon polluters in Canada.
To secure the project, the previous B.C. government doled out substantial subsidies — partial rebates for climate policy compliance costs, ultra low upstream royalties, reduced electricity prices, etc. — locking some of them in for over 25 years. B.C. is now no longer on the hook for these costs.
Across B.C., communities have stood up and said LNG doesn't fit with their vision for a prosperous economy. By seizing untapped opportunities in all parts of the province, the B.C. government can power up Canada's clean growth economy and lead the way to the country's climate targets.
Karen Tam Wu and Stephen Hui
Pembina Institute, Vancouver
The National Post published this letter to the editor on page A8 of its August 3, 2017, issue.
