Energy investment could help British Columbia diversify its exports and strengthen public finances. Voters will be looking for evidence that the benefits reach their communities.

ENERGYNOW MEDIA – VICTORIA — Premier David Eby has made major projects a central part of his bid for re-election, arguing that new investment can protect British Columbia’s economy from U.S. trade pressure and create skilled jobs.

Eby called a snap election for October 24 under the banner “Build B.C. Strong.” His party says its plan will open new markets, build infrastructure and expand trades training. The campaign puts a question familiar to Canada’s energy sector before voters: can B.C. turn a promising list of projects into investment decisions and lasting economic gains?

The province’s Look West strategy aims to speed up major projects, expand export infrastructure and reduce reliance on the U.S. market. Its priorities include natural resources, ports, power transmission and workforce training.

LNG is one of the clearest tests. The owners of LNG Canada in Kitimat are weighing a Phase 2 expansion that would add 14 million tonnes of annual export capacity, doubling the terminal’s planned capacity. Shell has said any decision must account for competitiveness, affordability, government support and stakeholder needs. The expansion therefore represents substantial potential for B.C., but it remains a proposal until the partners make a final investment decision.

Another project in focus is FortisBC’s proposed Tilbury Phase 2 expansion in Delta. The province has issued an environmental assessment certificate, allowing it to proceed to the next stage. That is a significant milestone, though FortisBC must still decide whether to build it. B.C. estimates the expansion could create more than 1,000 construction jobs and up to 100 long-term positions.

The opportunity extends beyond LNG terminals. B.C. has begun construction of the North Coast Transmission Line to supply communities and potential industrial projects with more electricity. More export capacity also depends on the ports, workers and supporting infrastructure needed to bring products to market.

For energy companies, a stronger Pacific trade route could mean more buyers for Canadian natural gas and less dependence on a single export market. For the province, construction spending and future revenues could support jobs and public services. Those benefits depend on projects securing financing, meeting regulatory requirements and earning durable support from Indigenous nations and affected communities.

Eby faces a more immediate challenge at the ballot box. An Angus Reid Institute survey conducted before the election call found that 50 per cent of British Columbians said it was time for a change in government. It also found that 51 per cent felt they had no party they could enthusiastically support. At the same time, the NDP held a narrow lead in voting intention, underscoring how unsettled the contest remains.

That leaves Eby with two arguments to make. He must show investors that B.C. can bring major projects to a decision and, just as crucially, show voters how distant industrial investment will improve wages, affordability and services closer to home.

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