Fiscal framework in British Columbia
The (alliance) is concerned about our global competitiveness and the overall fiscal framework in British Columbia and in Canada."
There are huge technical and financial challenges to such complex projects, and there is significant risk, said Keane, whose organization represents six of the 18 projects currently proposed in B.C.: Kitimat LNG, LNG Canada, Pacific Northwest LNG, Prince Rupert LNG, Woodfibre LNG and Triton LNG.
"We need certainty, clarity and a competitive fiscal framework that includes fair federal and provincial taxation," he said.
Legislation around LNG must strike a balance between fair value for British Columbians for their natural resources and a "reasonable rate of return on what will be historic levels of investment."
Keane declined to clarify specifically what kind of "clarity" LNG investors need, or to offer any target tax figures.
B.C. Premier Christy Clark and her Liberals were re-elected last year on promises of a trillion-dollar LNG industry that would provide tens of thousands of jobs and pay off the provincial debt.