Natural resource development is the foundation that drives B.C.’s economy, creates opportunities for jobs, and allows us to pay for the services British Columbians need like health care and education.
Last week, I joined my colleagues in Prince George for the 2015 B.C. Natural Resource Forum and listened to delegates, sponsors and exhibitors. At this event, we consulted and worked with communities in B.C. to identify needs and opportunities as they advance their economic development and investment attraction efforts.
B.C.’s 150-year supply of natural gas is an opportunity to change the world. It is an opportunity to dramatically reduce air pollution. Developing and exporting LNG will grow our economy, build lasting prosperity across the province, and help support a debt-free future for B.C.
In the meantime, our founding industry in this province is forestry. Like trees, growing new markets takes time and patience.
For thousands of years in B.C. one thing has remained constant: the land sustains us. From liquefied natural gas to forestry, mining, manufacturing and beyond — we need to get to ‘yes’ on projects that support families and make communities more sustainable for the long term. If we grasp the opportunities before us, we will not only be growing our economy but growing communities like ours in the Cariboo-Chilcotin.
Our government is determined to make this province an economic engine of Canada. We can do this by working with industry, First Nations, and other levels of government to pursue initiatives that further grow our natural resource industries — and that respect, sustain and improve our communities in the best interests of all British Columbians. We will continue to look at ways to say yes to job growth, yes to responsible resource development, yes to developing a skilled workforce, and yes to an improved quality of life for all British Columbians.
Donna Barnett is the Liberal MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin.
