We’re thrilled for the startup of LNG Canada and its first shipments of Canadian-made liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Asia. It’s a significant victory for diversifying our trading partners, promoting economic security, supporting economic reconciliation with First Nations and for our national economic prosperity as a whole.
For more than a decade, Canada Action has been raising awareness about the importance of new trading relationships for our job-creating, prosperity-generating natural resource industries. As a nation that relies heavily on resource exports to “pay the bills” for our imports and social programs, this landmark achievement is more than just a business transaction; it represents a profound shift in Canada’s energy landscape.
Tim Hodgson, our recently appointed Minister of Energy Natural Resources, shared his sentiment on LNG Canada’s launch, calling it a “watershed” moment for our country.
“When construction began on LNG Canada’s terminal in 2018, who could’ve predicted our first shipment to Asia would set sail on the eve of Canada Day – in the middle of a trade war? The timing couldn’t be more symbolic. Read on to see why this is a watershed moment for Canada’s energy future,” Hodgson posted on X.
“This shipment is more than infrastructure – it’s a bridge: To Asia. To global markets. To deeper ties with allies who value reliability, stability and speed. For the first time, Canadians can say that we ship our natural gas to the world – not just across the border.”
For too long, Canadian natural gas has sold at a significant discount, a result of having just one major buyer for almost all our exports (U.S.).
It just makes sense to find new global markets and maximize the value of our resources. The Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion completed last year, for example, has allowed us to sell our oil to more countries than ever before, reducing the oil price discount and generating an additional $10 billion in revenue for Canadians in 2024.
Beyond the economic boost that LNG Canada and similar projects will bring to Canadians, there is a great deal to be proud of.
“Canadians can also take pride in how high our LNG industry has raised the bar through: Low-emissions production, Indigenous co-ownership [and] environmental stewardship,” Hodgson posted.
“This is proof that when Canada leads with values, vision and determination, we don’t just keep up – we pull ahead.”
This is an exciting moment for Canada, as our first LNG shipments to South Korea and Japan underscore our ability to deliver major projects that benefit all Canadians, strengthen our economy and position ourselves as a reliable energy supplier on the global stage.
It’s time to embrace our potential and continue building the critical infrastructure that connects our abundant resources to the world, securing our economic future for generations to come.
Cody Battershill is a Calgary realtor and founder/spokesperson for CanadaAction.ca, a volunteer-initiated group that supports Canadian energy development and the economic benefits that come with it.
