Woodfibre LNG at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade: Advancing Responsible Energy Development

The conversation about energy and resource development in British Columbia is changing — moving beyond whether projects should proceed to how they can earn public confidence and deliver lasting value.

This shift was front and centre at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade’s Energy and Natural Resources Forum, where Woodfibre LNG joined leaders from across the province to discuss the future of the sector. Speaking on the panel, Selena Basi, Vice President of Corporate Relations at Woodfibre LNG, shared insights into how major projects can move forward in a way that strengthens communities, respects Indigenous rights, and advances environmental performance.

Building with Partnership at the Centre

A central theme of the discussion was the importance of partnership, particularly with Indigenous communities. Woodfibre LNG is the first industrial project in Canada to recognize a non-treaty Indigenous government, Squamish Nation, as a full environmental regulator. The foundation of this partnership is Woodfibre’s commitment, from day one, to listening to the Squamish Nation’s priorities to ensure the project could be developed in a way that respected their interests. This collaborative approach led to the landmark 2015 Squamish Nation Environmental Assessment Agreement and Certificate, and it continues today with the Nation holding an equal voice alongside provincial and federal regulators.

“Collaboration shaped our project from the outset. Not just through environmental oversight but through real economic participation, cultural respect and ongoing engagement. Meaningful Indigenous partnership isn’t an obligation – it’s a foundation for better outcomes,” explained Selena.

Raising the Bar on Environmental Performance

The panel also focused on how Canadian energy projects can compete globally while meeting high environmental standards.

“Energy produced to high environmental and labour standards hold value and can help meet global energy demand more responsibly,” shared Selena.

Woodfibre LNG is on track to become the world’s first net zero LNG export facility when it begins operations. By using renewable hydroelectric power from BC Hydro to drive its liquefaction process, the project will have significantly lower emissions compared to conventional gas fired LNG facilities.

Being a Good Neighbour

Community expectations were another key topic of discussion. With construction underway near Squamish, transparency and communication remain high priorities.

Woodfibre LNG continues to provide regular updates, host community information sessions, and engage directly with residents to address questions and concerns. From marine monitoring programs in Howe Sound to workforce accommodation planning, the company’s focus remains on minimizing impacts while maximizing local benefits.

“Trust isn’t built in a day. Accountability has to be shown continuously and consistently to build healthy long-term relationships,” said Selena, “Being a good neighbour requires you to show up and do the right thing every day.”

A National Conversation with Local Impact

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade forum highlighted how energy development in British Columbia is part of a broader national and global conversation. As Canada looks to diversify trade and strengthen economic resilience, responsible energy development remains a key growth lever for British Columbia; projects like Woodfibre LNG are demonstrating how industry, Indigenous leadership, and environmental stewardship can align.

“I think everyone in this room knows that we could have had a very, very robust burgeoning industry if we’d gone all in about 15 years ago. The industry is still growing, and so fiscal policy is required to help support an industry that’s going to set us up for the next generation of billions of dollars of revenue generated for government, and thousands of jobs in this sector.”

While progress has been made, Selena emphasized that coordinated fiscal and policy support will determine how fully Canada captures this opportunity in the years ahead.

Thank you to all who contributed to a successful and insightful Forum at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. Events like this provide an important opportunity to share progress, listen to diverse perspectives, and contribute to constructive dialogue about the future of energy in Canada.