British Columbia stands at a crossroads. With abundant natural gas reserves, a skilled workforce, and clear access to Pacific markets, the province is uniquely positioned to lead Canada’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) revolution. From building jobs and government revenues to reducing global CO₂ emissions, LNG offers a path to both economic and environmental benefits.
Economic Boost: Revenue and Jobs
- A robust LNG industry is projected to generate over $78 to $90+ billion in government revenues by 2064, with British Columbia receiving more than $78 billion of that total
- Annually, LNG is expected to contribute approximately $8 billion to provincial GDP—a more than 3% boost to BC’s economy, with ripple effects across sectors
- On jobs: a full-scale LNG export sector could support over 96,000 jobs per year across Canada, of which roughly 71,000 would be in B.C.—and B.C. workers would see over $4.6 billion in annual wages
- For the signature LNG Canada project alone—the first major Canadian export terminal—$23 billion in government revenue is expected over its life, along with 10,000 construction jobs and around 950 permanent operational positions
These figures underscore LNG’s transformative value—not just in dollars, but in opportunity and infrastructure for communities, Indigenous partners, and all British Columbians.
Environmental Edge: Cleaner than Coal
- Analyses show that replacing coal-fired generation with natural gas in reliant regions can reduce CO₂ emissions by 50–60% per megawatt-hour
- B.C.’s LNG export advantage is magnified by its clean hydro-powered electricity grid. By operating LNG facilities on clean electricity, life‑cycle emissions can be amongst the lowest in the world
- As demand for clean energy skyrockets in Asia and beyond, exporting Canadian natural gas can help displace coal consumption abroad—delivering global climate co‑benefits while leveraging B.C.’s emissions‑efficient power mix
Why LNG Matters for B.C.
- Long‑term public funding: The projected government revenues can help support healthcare, education, and community infrastructure without burdening taxpayers.
- Sustainable employment: Tens of thousands of stable, well‑paying jobs—both short‑term and long‑term—offer career opportunities across B.C., with strong benefits for Indigenous communities tied to pipeline and facility participation
- Global climate solution: By supplying cleaner-burning fuel to replace coal abroad, B.C. becomes part of the climate transition while expanding its economic footprint.
- Low-carbon leadership: Powered by nearly 100% clean electricity, B.C.’s LNG sector can be marketed as lower‑carbon LNG—a key differentiator in global markets seeking cleaner energy supplies
A Responsible Path to Prosperity
LNG development offers British Columbia a compelling opportunity: to mine its abundant natural gas reserves for economic growth, while playing a concrete role in the global energy transition. With billions in government revenues, thousands of high-quality jobs, and carbon‑efficient export pathways, LNG must be part of a smart, forward-looking strategy.
B.C.’s LNG industry will become a signature engine of prosperity and an example of how natural resource development can support both growth and climate goals.