BY BOB ZIMMER
Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies MP
Canada, and especially northeastern B.C., has been blessed with an abundant supply of clean and affordable natural gas.
As a strong supporter of the responsible development of our local natural gas supply, I have always enjoyed being able to see and speak with those who are working so hard for this vital sector.
I recently had the opportunity to take a tour of Tourmaline’s NEBC Montney operations, where I visited a compressor station and viewed a 20-well pad site. I was also able to see how the gases are separated and sent to different areas to be processed or used. The tour also included a stop at the AltaGas rail loading facility where propane from Tourmaline’s plant is loaded onto railcars and shipped to port. Thank you to Curtis Whitford and everyone at Tourmaline for giving me such an insightful tour.
I also recently spoke with Ken James, President and CEO of West Coast Olefins Ltd. about the proposed NGL Recovery Plant in Prince George. They have some interesting ideas about how natural gas liquids like ethane, propane, butane, and natural gas condensates can be recovered from the existing Enbridge Westcoast Energy Pipeline and sold separately, adding even more value to British Columbia’s natural gas supply.
What stood out to me when visiting the Tourmaline facility and in speaking with West Coast Olefins Ltd. was the importance they have placed on developing British Columbia’s natural gas responsibly and the need to support innovation as a way to help reduce global emissions. I also learned that Tourmaline processed fluids like propane are being sent to Asia and used to make much-needed building materials and that West Coast Olefins plans to make these materials right here in British Columbia.
I know right now many people are concerned about what the future may hold. Our oil and gas workers need a federal government that shows confidence in the sector in order for it to be able to thrive.
It’s unfortunate that some have shown such distain for our natural resource sector, with the Green Party going so far as to include banning hydraulic fracturing operations in Canada in their platform during the last federal election.
What they don’t seem to realize is that banning hydraulic fracturing would almost certainly shut down our natural gas sector. If we prevent Canadian resources from reaching market, they are just going to be replaced by resources from countries with poor records of human rights and environmental standards.
Conservatives recognize that Canada produces the most sustainable and environmentally responsible oil and gas in the world. We also recognize the important role natural gas can play in reducing global emissions.
I know many of you depend on the continued responsible development of our natural resources to put food on the table for your families. It is your families that I think about every day and why I will continue to champion for this vital industry and the important jobs they bring to our region.
As I have said before, when it comes to our natural resources, the world needs more Canada.