Eby Defends Minister's LNG Criticism Under 'Big Tent' Approach

British Columbia Premier David Eby has defended his minister's public criticism of the Tilbury LNG project, citing his government's 'big tent' approach. Minister Kelly Greene, who represents the riding of Richmond-Steveston, posted a statement on Friday expressing her disappointment in the decision to move forward with Phase 1B of the expansion. The project would produce more liquefied natural gas (LNG) and help meet rising demand at the Port of Vancouver.

Eby said he worked with Greene on her statement, allowing her to continue advocating for her community's concerns about the project. Normally, developers need to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the B.C. Utilities Commission before starting or expanding a public utility plant or system. However, the government issued an order-in-council that exempts the expansion from this requirement.

Energy Minister Adrian Dix said that skipping this step would save time and allow the project to proceed, creating 1,100 jobs during construction and generating $260 million in tax revenues. The project is expected to start construction by mid-next year and begin operations as early as 2031.