David Eby backs LNG expansion exemption and reaffirms North Coast oil tanker ban
British Columbia Premier David Eby announced that the province issued an order‑in‑council exempting the Phase 1B Tilbury LNG expansion from the requirement to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity. The exemption is intended to speed the project, which is projected to create about 1,100 construction jobs and generate $260 million in tax revenue, and could begin construction by mid‑next year with operations as early as 2031. Energy Minister Adrian Dix said skipping the certificate step will save time and keep the project moving, while the province stressed that all other regulatory approvals remain required.
During a visit to Prince Rupert, Eby also reaffirmed British Columbia’s North Coast crude‑oil tanker ban, noting the moratorium has existed for more than 50 years and protects an ecologically sensitive coastline that supports a $3 billion regional economy. The ban was highlighted as part of the Canada–British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement, which aims to expand ports, LNG, critical minerals and clean electricity while maintaining the environmental safeguard.
Both actions underscore the provincial government’s emphasis on advancing resource development under a “big‑tent” approach that balances economic growth with safety and environmental protection.
Entities: Adrian Dix · David Eby · FortisBC · Kelly Greene · Tilbury LNG project
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The BC government issued an order‑in‑council exempting the Phase 1B Tilbury LNG expansion from the requirement to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity under the Utilities Committee (BC government)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Minister Kelly Greene said she was disappointed with FortisBC’s decision to proceed with Phase 1B of the Tilbury LNG project, citing safety concerns. (Kelly Greene)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The expansion is promoted as a way to meet rising LNG demand at the Port of Vancouver and improve LNG fueling access for vessels travelling the Pacific. (BC government)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The government says the expansion will create about 1,100 construction jobs and generate $260 million in tax revenue. (BC government)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Premier David Eby helped minister Kelly Greene write a statement criticizing the Tilbury LNG expansion. (all articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Construction could start by mid‑next year with operations as early as 2031. (BC government)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The exemption does not remove other regulatory approvals and permitting requirements for the project. (BC government)
- [● 5 SOURCES] Energy Minister Adrian Dix said skipping the certificate step would save time and allow the expansion to proceed. (Adrian Dix)
- [● 4 SOURCES] British Columbia Premier David Eby reaffirmed the North Coast crude‑oil tanker ban during a visit to Prince Rupert, stating the ban has existed for more than 50 years and protects an ecologically‑sign (David Eby)