British Columbia Premier David Eby has voiced strong support for the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) pipeline following a trade mission to Asia, citing clear market demand in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. His trip reinforced the view that B.C. natural gas has reliable buyers overseas, crucial for diversifying export markets and securing better prices for the province’s resources.
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Key Takeaways:
- Premier Eby’s Asia trip highlighted significant demand for B.C. natural gas.
- He supports the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) pipeline as a key way to access these markets.
- The PRGT pipeline recently received a crucial environmental status update, allowing it to proceed.
- B.C. is also pursuing trade diversification through a separate ministerial trip focusing on technology and agritech in Europe.
Asia Trip Highlights Market Demand for BC Energy
Speaking from South Korea, Premier Eby emphasized the importance of the PRGT pipeline in delivering natural gas to Asian markets that otherwise wouldn’t have access. His meetings during the multi-stop trip, which included Japan and Malaysia, made it “very apparent how important that energy is for these countries.”
One significant stop in Malaysia involved meeting with representatives from Petronas, a company holding a 25-per-cent stake in the separate LNG Canada project. Eby indicated positive developments regarding potential multi-billion dollar investments related to that venture. The focus of his trip was broadly aimed at diversifying B.C.’s trade partners, partly in response to potential shifts in U.S. trade policy.
British Columbia Premier David Eby and Agriculture Minister Lana Popham on a trade mission in Asia, exploring export opportunities.
Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Pipeline Moves Forward
The PRGT pipeline project, distinct from LNG Canada infrastructure, recently received a significant administrative boost. On June 5, the B.C. government’s environmental assessment office designated the project as “substantially started.” This determination allows the project to proceed under the terms of its existing permit certificate, initially issued a decade ago.
Ownership of the PRGT pipeline also saw a notable change in March 2024, when it was acquired by the Nisg̱a’a Nation in partnership with Texas-based Western LNG. Premier Eby expressed no concern over this foreign ownership component.
“We’re not in the business of turning away investments in British Columbia, especially investment that assists us in diversifying our customers for our resources and allows us to get a higher price for those resources,” Eby stated.
He further highlighted several factors making the project attractive: the significant Indigenous ownership stake held by the Nisg̱a’a Nation, the proposed location of the Ksi Lisims floating export terminal on Nisg̱a’a territory near Prince Rupert, and the positioning of B.C.’s natural gas as a relatively lower-carbon energy alternative compared to other sources currently used by Asian nations. “It checks a lot of boxes for us,” he added.
BC’s Approach to Energy Exports vs. Oil
Premier Eby clarified that his government’s focus remains on “workable” natural gas projects rather than oil pipelines. This stance comes amidst recent comments from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith suggesting she could persuade him to support an oil pipeline.
Eby expressed a desire to find “common ground” with Premier Smith but noted the current lack of a proponent, funding, or a concrete project plan for an oil pipeline in B.C. “In the event that premier Smith is successful in assembling those things, then we’ll certainly cross that bridge when we come to it,” he said.
Expanding Trade Horizons: Focus on Europe Tech & Agritech
While Premier Eby concluded his Asia trip, two other B.C. ministers embarked on their own trade mission to Europe. Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Minister Diana Gibson and Minister of State for Trade Rick Glumac are visiting England, France, and the Netherlands until June 14, with a similar goal of trade diversification.
This European trip specifically targets the technology sector, including agritech. Minister Gibson explained that diversification efforts are not solely driven by potential U.S. tariffs but also by other U.S. policies, such as executive orders related to health and clean energy, which create opportunities for B.C. companies leading in these areas.
The ministers’ itinerary includes attending London Tech Week, VivaTech in Paris, and GreenTech in Amsterdam – an agricultural technology conference. In Paris, they will join numerous B.C. businesses, many from the artificial intelligence sector. The Amsterdam stop will see them connect with companies involved in areas ranging from farm automation to plant and soil data collection, underscoring B.C.’s need to reduce reliance on the U.S. for trade in critical sectors like agriculture.
Looking Ahead: Diversifying B.C.’s Economic Future
Premier Eby’s vocal support for the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline, underpinned by demand observed during his Asia trip, signals the province’s commitment to expanding its natural gas export capabilities. Coupled with targeted ministerial missions focused on leveraging B.C.’s strengths in technology and agritech in European markets, the province is actively pursuing a strategy of broad trade diversification. These efforts aim to secure new customers, attract investment, and fetch better value for B.C.’s resources and innovations on the global stage.
For more details on the PRGT pipeline’s status, see PRGT pipeline gets go-ahead, deemed ‘substantially started’.
