B.C. Parties Clash Over LNG Production Targets
Lorne Doerkson and David Eby are competing for credit and proposing divergent growth targets for British Columbia's liquefied natural gas sector ahead of a key investment decision.
The B.C. NDP and B.C. Conservatives are locked in a dispute over the future of British Columbia's liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector as a final investment decision for LNG Canada Phase 2 is expected as soon as Tuesday. Lorne Doerkson, interim leader of the B.C. Conservatives, announced a superpower plan pledging to double LNG production by 2032 and triple it by 2035. Doerkson accused the NDP of systematically delaying and obstructing resource projects, arguing that more facilities would be operational if not for the current administration.
NDP Leader David Eby and Forests Minister Ravi Parmar dismissed the Conservative targets as a ChatGPT plan that is out of step with reality. The NDP claims current projects already put the province on track to more than triple production by 2035. While Eby promised to double critical mineral production, the NDP warned that the Conservatives' no new taxes platform would necessitate spending cuts to health and education.
The conflict follows the start of shipping from the $40 billion LNG Canada Phase 1 last year. Currently, five terminals are either under construction or awaiting final investment decisions. Amid the policy debate, the NDP has questioned Doerkson's leadership status, though Doerkson maintains that party bylaws can secure his position as permanent leader if he is elected premier.
