Four companies sign deal to develop LNG Canada but much work to be done, says CEO

THE CANADIAN PRESS APRIL 30, 2014 4:55 PM

"Oh please buy all of BC, Pretty Plueeeze!"

Photo shows Kitimat’s port facility at the head of Douglas Channel where LNG Canada hopes to build a shipping terminal.

Photograph by: DARRYL DYCK , PROVINCE THE CANADIAN PRESS

VANCOUVER — Four companies have signed on to develop LNG Canada, the entity behind a proposed liquefied natural gas project, which B.C. Premier Christy Clark says has reached an important milestone.

Shell Canada, PetroChina, Korea Gas Corp. and Mitsubishi are taking part in the project located in Kitimat, B.C.

LNG Canada CEO Andy Calitz says the agreement does not mean that a final decision to build the project has been made.

He says such a massive undertaking comes with significant investment challenges and there's much work to be done including an environmental assessment and consultations with First Nations and communities.

Calitz says LNG Canada also needs assurances of an ample labour pool and will work closely with the federal and B.C. governments to ensure the project is economically viable.

Clark has said the project will decide the province's economic future and that the government is taking steps to provide skills training for future LNG workers.