Skeena MLA Claire Rattée has responded after being escorted from the B.C. Legislature chamber during question period following a confrontation over comments about LNG Canada.
Rattée said in a Tuesday news release that she challenged Premier David Eby’s claim that B.C. Conservatives do not support LNG Canada.
“Today, I objected after Premier David Eby falsely claimed that BC Conservatives do not support LNG Canada,” Rattée said.
“I represent Skeena. LNG Canada is built in my riding. I spent four years on Kitimat Council helping move this project forward, and I have consistently supported LNG Canada and the workers, families, and First Nation partners behind it.”
Rattée said she and others in the Conservative caucus have spent years backing the project and accused the NDP government of changing its position on major energy developments once economic benefits became more apparent.
“Myself and others within my caucus have devoted many years to making this project a reality while the NDP government actively opposed it while they were in opposition,” she said.
“That is why it was deeply frustrating to hear the Premier attempt to rewrite history when it comes to LNG Canada and the people who fought for years to get this project built.”
Rattée also pointed to other major projects including the Trans Mountain Expansion Project and Site C Clean Energy Project.
“The reality is that many members of the NDP government opposed projects like LNG Canada, TMX, and Site C before they suddenly decided to embrace them once the economic benefits became impossible to ignore,” she said.
However, Rattée later expressed her apology to the Speaker because she respects the Legislature and the role of the Chair, but reiterated that she will continue to advocate for the people of Northwest and the LNG Canada workers.
The remarks follow discussion surrounding LNG Canada’s proposed Phase 2 expansion, which has become a political issue in northwestern B.C. The project involves collaboration among several parties in the region and could lead to a final investment decision later this year.
