WHEREAS natural resources have the potential to be the foundation of British Columbias economic health and long-term revenue predictability; AND WHEREAS meaningful jobs for present and future BC citizens are multiplied by secondary and tertiary employment: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM strongly encourage the Province to develop strategies that will address the long term domestic supply, satisfy existing commitments, and provide incentives to build an infrastructure for ancillary enterprises that will support the natural gas sector in BC.
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas and Minister Responsible for Housing The Province recognizes the important role that natural resources, particularly natural gas resources, play in fuelling British Columbias economy. The natural gas industry is an important revenue generator and source of job creation for the province. The Provincial Government publicly released its Natural Gas Strategy and complementary Liquefied Natural Gas LNG Strategy on February 3, 2012. The Natural Gas Strategy outlines actions that will: diversify markets for our natural gas; ensure there is a reliable, abundant supply; maintain competitiveness including ensuring infrastructure is available to encourage investment; ensure environmentally responsible development; and build partnerships to promote development. The LNG Strategy more specifically commits to: ensuring LNG developers contribute capital for infrastructure; building on British Columbias advantages to keep competitive in the global LNG market; maintaining British Columbias leadership in climate change and clean energy; and, keeping energy rates affordable for families, communities and industry. The Natural Gas Strategy and LNG Strategy directly respond to this UBCM Resolution by mapping out plans to ensure the province has a thriving natural gas industry that benefits all British Columbians and that environmental and social values are protected.