By James Peters / Chad Harris

Local politicians praise LNG plant approval

Sep 28, 2016 | 5:26 PM

KAMLOOPS — Environmentalists and First Nations leaders are condemning yesterday’s federal government approval of Pacific Northwest LNG project – but local politicians seem pleased.

Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar spoke to the issue at the Union of BC Municipalities Conference in Victoria.

“It’s critical when you think of the sheer number of jobs that are created in the Interior of British Columbia, within the northeast and northwest British Columbia – what that means to our local economies,” stated Milobar. 

Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod also applauded the approval, but added she hopes the 190 conditions placed on the approval don’t preclude Petronas from going forward with its final investment decision.

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As for environmental concerns, McLeod says it’s important to remember the positive impact LNG will have on the other side of the globe.

“Sometimes people talk about the emissions that will be created within Canada, but what they don’t look at is this product going to countries where coal-fire plants are pretty well the order of the day; what the net benefit may be to the more global emission structure.” 

McLeod adds for the past year, the Trudeau government has tried to please everyone, so it’s good to see it being forced to make a tough decision.