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Kelowna  

Optimistic about LNG

Students in grades six through 10 attended interactive community seminars at the Delta Grand Conference Centre to learn about the science as well as the opportunities behind LNG.

Seminars featured presentations from Science World British Columbia about the fundamentals of energy science.

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Steve Thomson says part of these community seminars is also to ensure businesses understand the opportunities that are available for them as part of the growth of the industry.

“We have lots of businesses here in Kelowna that we know are interested in the future of the industry, so today is about making sure they understand those opportunities to get themselves plugged into the process."

Currently, Thomson says, the province is optimistic about the LNG project with more than 19 proponents with ten who have their export approvals.

“There are two that have their environmental certificates from the province, so there is lots of activity and optimism that we will be seeing final investment decisions in 2015.”

From legislative steps, to tax proposals and a recent decision by the federal government on the capital cost, Thomson believes provisions have been created for companies to make their decisions on LNG.

Alongside the demonstrations student could take part in Find Your Fit, an interactive event to get hands on experience with the skills needed for in demand jobs throughout the province.

Others were able to talk with government and industry representatives.

“What this work is all about is going into communities around the province and making sure people the opportunities, the streams around skills training that will be available to students,” says Thomson. “We know we are going to need a labour force once we get the decision so this is about creating that awareness.”

So far, Thomson says, response around the province has been well received in all communities with a good attendance from the public as well as students.

There was a heavy security presence at the conference centre, as a precaution, although Thomson says nothing suspicious had taken place.



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