Both the provincial and federal governments announced their support Monday for a massive LNG export facility in northwest British Columbia.
The massive Ksi Lisims LNG project received environmental approval at both levels of government.
The green light from BC Environment Minister Tamara Davidson, BC Energy Minister Adrian Dix and federal Environment Minister Julia Dabrusin means the project can move to the next stage of permits and authorization.
Speaking in Vancouver on Monday, Premier David Eby praised the project and spoke highly of its increased importance as the relationship between Canada and the United States changes.
“The reality is setting in that President Trump is committed to attacking the Canadian economy, the BC economy…a traditional ally and partner is no longer there for us in the way we came to expect,” he said.
“There is a silver lining to this. This is an opportunity for us to stand on our own two feet, for us as a country and as a province, to build on our strengths and stand independently.”
Eby added that work nationally in that regard is being “led from British Columbia” as the province continues to work to develop clean electricity projects.
According to the premier, the project will create 800 jobs during construction and a permanent workforce of more than 200 at the site once the LNG plant is operational.
It will contribute $17 billion to Canada’s economy over 30 years, with as much as $15.5 billion of that occurring in BC, and help young people “build a future” in the province's northwest.
“We are going to build this country and we’re going to do it right and we’re going to make sure its Canadian products making it to market supporting Canadians,” Eby explained.
The Ksi Lisims LNG project is being developed in partnership between the Nisga'a Nation, Rockies LNG Limited Partnership and Western LNG.
Although Nisga'a President Eva Clayton said it met her Nation’s “high expectations” and they’re “proud” to be co-developing it, the project has been opposed by other First Nations.
"This is what reconciliation looks like: a modern Treaty Nation once on the sidelines of our economy, now leading a project that will help write the next chapter of a stronger, more resilient Canada," added Clayton.
The #KsiLisimsLNG Project was substituted to B.C., in collaboration with Nisga’a Nation, to achieve “one project, one review.”
— Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (@iaac_aeic) September 16, 2025
Led by #BritishColumbia, with federal and Indigenous participation, it supports timely and informed decisions.
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Eby called the project “a win across the board for everyone,” but admitted there was work ahead for the Nisga'a Nation and its partners to ensure everyone sees the benefits of the project.
“I have great faith in President Clayton and her partners,” he noted, adding that the last hurdle for the project is a final investment decision for the Nisga’a Nation and those partners.
According to the Government of BC, the facility is expected to have a capacity to export around 12-million tonnes of liquefied natural gas each year to overseas markets in Asia.
The floating natural-gas liquefaction facility and marine export terminal that will be serviced with natural gas from the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline.
Ksi Lisims LNG is required to be net-zero ready by 2030, as well as meet 23 legally binding provincial conditions to safeguard BC’s environment.
"The people of British Columbia expect their government to thoroughly assess proposed developments to make sure projects are sustainable,” BC Environment Minister Tamara Davidson said through a media release.
“That's how we create good jobs and drive needed economic growth, while protecting our environment and keeping communities healthy and safe."
At Tuesday morning’s media availability, Eby was asked about BC’s record $11.6-billion deficit announced by Finance Minister Brenda Bailey on Monday.
The premier said Ksi Lisims LNG and other energy projects to be announced and advanced over the next six to 12 months are the path back to a balanced budget.
