Shell says it will proceed with B.C. energy plans despite political uncertainty
CALGARY — Royal Dutch Shell will forge ahead with its energy development plans in British Columbia regardless of the uncertainty swirling around the province’s political future, says the company’s Canadian country chair.
Energy investments in B.C. have been cast into doubt after the May 9 provincial election that saw the Liberals win 43 seats and the NDP take 41— a situation that gives the Green party the balance of power with their three seats.
Last week, the NDP and Greens formalized an alliance that could see them oust the Liberals from power. But Michael Crothers, president of Shell Canada, said that shouldn’t deter the company’s plans for a liquefied natural gas export project in Kitimat, B.C., because NDP Leader John Horgan has backed that project.
“We’re optimistic we’ll get support if we choose to proceed,” Crothers said in an interview Tuesday.