B.C. to contribute $200m to Cedar LNG for electrification

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The provincial government has announced $200 million in funding towards the electrification of the Cedar LNG project to make it one of the lowest-emitting plants in the world.

In a press conference in Kitimat on July 29th, Haisla Nation Elected Chief Maureen Nyce, Premier David Eby and Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions Adrian Dix announced an agreement between the B.C. government and the Haisla Nation to provide $200 million to electrify the Cedar LNG project.  

This provincial funding matches a contribution of up to $200 million from the federal government announced in March. 

The Cedar LNG project is a partnership between Pembina Pipeline and Haisla Nation, and once complete will be a floating facility producing 3.3 million tonnes per annum within traditional Haisla territory. The project is currently expected to be operational in late 2028. 

According to Eby, the $200 million in electrification will solidify the facility’s position as “one of the lowest emission plants in the entire world.” 

“We need to make sure that we’re putting the pieces in place to be successful on our own,” Eby said. 

“By supporting Haisla Nation to power Cedar LNG with clean B.C. electricity, we’re taking another step in building a stronger economy that’s less exposed to reckless decisions made in the White House,” Eby said in a press release issued during the conference.

 “As the world’s first Indigenous majority-owned LNG facility, Cedar LNG will create more good jobs that support families and give young people a future in local communities and throughout the north, all while generating revenue for the things we all count on, like better healthcare and good schools across the province.”

Eby detailed how the project would generate 500 jobs during construction and 100 jobs when the project commences operation, create significant economic activity and contribute to the provincial GDP and that of the Haisla Nation. 

“This achievement is a result of our Nation’s firm and focused commitment to reclaiming our rightful place and securing a meaningful role in decisions that affect our land, waters and future,” Nyce said during the press conference. 

Dix praised the project and its impact on generational wealth both in the province and the First Nation community. 

“Cedar LNG is a model for how LNG projects can be developed through innovation and collaboration with First Nations, while also creating good jobs and addressing climate change,” Dix said in the press release. 

“Through this agreement we are continuing to support economic reconciliation while creating a more energy-independent province, which is urgently needed during the current global and political climates.”