Peter Zebedee, CEO of LNG Canada, posted an update on March 24 of what that company is doing with regards to the COVID-19 outbreak.
LNG Canada is one of the largest megaprojects in Canadian history, monetary-wise, and is designed to export liquified natural gas sourced from northeast British Columbia and northwest Alberta for export to Asian markets.
Zebedee wrote:
I’ve spent most of my life working in the energy industry. I’ve seen my share of ups and downs. That’s the nature of our business. What we’re experiencing now is without precedent. Impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic are rippling across our industry, our province and our country. They’re being felt everywhere in the world. They impact all of us.
Needless to say, the current situation is having an effect on the company I lead. With the help of thousands of highly skilled, highly motivated men and women, LNG Canada and its engineering, procurement and construction contractor, JGC Fluor, have been building the largest private infrastructure project in Canadian history. But this past week, the decision was made to gradually and methodically draw down by half the number of people working at the LNG Canada construction site in Kitimat, B.C.
This is in keeping with the need to help “flatten the curve,” a term that describes how slowing the increase of COVID-19 infection can reduce pressure on our health care system and reduce the spread of the virus. We continue to monitor the situation and will adjust our plans and actions as appropriate. As announced this weekend, only personnel involved with essential activities will be working at site as of Monday, March 23rd. From the outset, our approach has been tied to the Government of Canada and Government of BC notices for construction sites.
These steps are in keeping with the commitment LNG Canada and JGC Fluor have to the well-being of our people, our community and our project. Not long ago, before the first shovel went into the ground at our Kitimat site, we set ourselves a goal. We want to be one of the safest projects anywhere in the world. Setting that goal put us on the right path; we strive to meet it every day.
I’m confident that when the crisis subsides and we return to working at full capacity, with the help of local and Indigenous companies and communities, and others across B.C. and Canada, we’ll be stronger and more resilient than ever, and ready to deliver opportunity for British Columbians, and energy for the world.
Take Care
Peter
