Ministerial Statement
Government of Canada's Decision on the Environmental Assessment of the LNG Canada Export Terminal Project

LNG Canada Development Inc. must comply with 50 legally binding conditions throughout the life of the project

June 17, 2015 — Ottawa — Office of the Minister of the Environment

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, issued the following statement today, outlining the Governor in Council's determination that the environmental effects of the proposed LNG Canada Export Terminal Project are justified in the circumstances.

"Canada is a secure, reliable and responsible producer and supplier of energy to the world that is firmly committed to making environmental assessment decisions that protect the environment while growing our economy and benefiting Canadian families. The proposed LNG Canada Export Terminal meets these objectives and the priorities under our Government's Responsible Resource Development plan to deliver timely reviews, reduce duplication, strengthen environmental protection and enhance consultations with Aboriginal communities."

"The LNG Canada Export Terminal Project underwent a thorough science-based environmental assessment conducted by the Government of British Columbia, which included extensive and meaningful consultations with the public and Aboriginal groups. The environmental assessment process benefited from scientific and technical expertise, Aboriginal traditional knowledge as well as constructive feedback received during consultations, to enable an informed decision by both governments."

"This decision strengthens Canada's position as a world leader in responsible resource development and will diversify Canadian energy export markets by sending clean-burning natural gas to Asia. It will also bolster economic growth, create good, high-paying jobs for Canadians and ensure that local and Aboriginal communities in the Kitimat region benefit from B.C.'s growing resource sector."

"Specifically, the project is expected to create up to 7,500 direct jobs to support the construction phase and up to 800 direct jobs to operate the facility. Construction of the terminal could potentially contribute nearly $20 billion to Canada's economy and the operation of the facility is expected to create as much as $14.5 billion in economic activity every year."

"In the Decision Statement that I released today, there are 50 legally binding conditions that must be fulfilled by the proponent throughout the life of the project in compliance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. After the project is approved it will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental regime."

"Our Government remains committed to a strong science-based environmental assessment process that promotes responsible resource development, protects our environment and benefits Canadians and their families."

The next steps are for the proponent to obtain federal regulatory approvals from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Fisheries Act), Transport Canada (Navigation Protection Act) and Environment Canada (Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999). They must also obtain provincial regulatory approvals at various stages of the project.

More information on this project is available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry website, reference number 80038.

Associated Links

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Contacts

Shane Buckingham
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Karen Fish
Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
613-957-0278
Karen.Fish@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

Follow us on Twitter: @CEAA_ACEE

Document Reference Number: 8

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