Canadian LNG a strategic priority for federal government

VANCOUVER, July 11 – The development of an at-scale LNG economy is a strategic priority for Canada, the country’s associate finance minister said in a keynote address today to the LNG2023 conference.

Randy Boissonnault said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government is committed to expanding the LNG sector as part of Canada’s effort to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. 

“The Government of Canada intends to make this country the global supplier of choice for the low-carbon economy,” said Boissonnault, who doubles as the federal tourism minister. “The fact is, we are facing a changing climate. It is a very Canadian expression: We must skate to where the puck is going.”

Ottawa has high environmental standards, Boissonnault said, and is committed to reconciliation with indigenous groups. He contended that the country is well-positioned to be a stable and reliable preferred global supplier of LNG and many other clean technologies vital to the world’s future.

“My friends, today, as you're well aware, the world's major economies are moving at an unprecedented rate and pace to fight climate change, retool their economies and build the net zero industries – tomorrow,” he said. “Canada must keep pace because we cannot afford to fall behind.”