OTTAWA, Sept. 21, 2026 /CNW/ — Today, the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, issued her decision statement for the Tilbury Phase 2 LNG Expansion Project (the project), determining that the project’s potential adverse effects within federal jurisdiction are justified when taking into account the benefits it will provide.
The project, proposed by FortisBC Holdings Inc., would expand the existing land-based Tilbury liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility by increasing liquefaction and storage capacity on an operating industrial site in Delta, British Columbia. The project is expected to improve energy security and resilience in the Lower Mainland while creating employment and procurement opportunities in the region.
This “one project, one review” assessment was made possible by a substituted impact assessment conducted by the Government of British Columbia under the Impact Assessment Cooperation Agreement Between Canada and British Columbia. The assessment considered scientific evidence, Indigenous Knowledge, advice from federal experts, and public input. The assessment also benefited from information provided through assessments led by the Tsawwassen First Nation, a modern treaty Nation, and other Indigenous groups. This information played an important role in helping shape conditions and mitigation measures that would lessen impacts on their communities and way of life.
The decision statement includes legally binding federal conditions that the proponent must comply with throughout the life of the project. These conditions complement provincial requirements which together help mitigate adverse effects within federal jurisdiction, including potential effects on Indigenous Peoples, fish and fish habitat, migratory birds, and federal lands.
The Government of Canada is confident that the project’s design, mitigation measures, federal conditions, and several provincial regulatory requirements will ensure the sustainable development of this project, demonstrating that protecting the environment, Indigenous Rights, and economic development can go hand in hand.
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“Canadians expect us to create jobs and grow the economy while protecting the environment and advancing reconciliation through meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples. This project demonstrates how we can achieve those objectives through a rigorous assessment process, substantive Indigenous participation, and strong environmental safeguards.”
– The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature
“This decision sends a clear signal that, through a “one project, one review” approach with B.C., Canada can efficiently and responsibly develop the infrastructure we need to strengthen our economy, reduce emissions, and enhance our energy security. By advancing projects that meet high environmental standards and are rooted in Indigenous consultation – we can deliver tangible benefits to all Canadians on a timeline that builds Canada Strong.”
– The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Quick Facts
- B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) conducted the assessment on behalf of the federal government under the substitution provisions of the Impact Assessment Act, reflecting both Governments’ commitment to “one project, one review”. This is the third substituted assessment to be completed under both the amended Impact Assessment Act and B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Act (2018). It was carried out under the Impact Assessment Cooperation Agreement Between Canada and British Columbia. IAAC and the EAO collaborated throughout the substituted assessment to improve coordination and minimize duplication, in line with the principles of the British Columbia-Canada Commitment Statement on Coordination on Permitting for Critical Mineral Projects. This collaboration streamlined federal conditions by leveraging provincial mechanisms and relying on the best-placed regulator to manage key adverse effects within federal jurisdiction. These efforts reduced regulatory overlap while ensuring that all adverse effects within federal jurisdiction are properly addressed.
- The assessment process was informed by consultation with 41 Indigenous groups, represented by 21 Indigenous organizations.
- Treaties establish a new relationship between treaty partners that provides a foundation for just and ongoing reconciliation, founded on the honour of the Crown. Together with British Columbia, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada collaborated with Tsawwassen First Nation, their modern Treaty partner, aiming to speak with one voice through the Treaty to ensure a strong, enduring relationship.
Associated Links
- Tilbury Phase 2 LNG Expansion Project (Impact Assessment Agency of Canada)
- Minister’s Impact Assessment Decision Statement (Impact Assessment Agency of Canada)
- Assessment Report
- Impact Assessments 101 (Impact Assessment Agency of Canada)
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SOURCE Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2026/21/c3177.html