Unceded Anishinaabe Algonquin Territories [OTTAWA], 6 February 2025:
As the fossil fuel industry ramps up pressure for oil and gas expansion in this uncertain moment, Canada’s largest network of climate and energy organizations is calling for an immediate moratorium on expansion of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry.
In a statement released today, Climate Action Network Canada (CAN-Rac) highlights the risks of LNG expansion—for the climate, the economy, Indigenous rights, and public health. In addition to a moratorium, CAN-Rac calls on governments to rule out directing any public funds towards the industry; to deliver a comprehensive, well-resourced Just Transition plan for workers; and to create an Indigenous Community Diversification Fund to support nations in charting their own path forward.
“At this critical moment for the country, more than 180 organizations across Canada are calling for a moratorium on new LNG projects,” said John Young, LNG Senior Strategist at CAN-Rac. “Yes, Canada must diversify trade and move away from a bullying neighbour. But doubling down on a volatile industry is not diversification. Expanding LNG would only serve President Trump’s billionaire backers. The smart choice for Canadians and for the planet is to build out the renewable economy of the future, not the climate and economic disaster of LNG.”
“British Columbia sits at a crossroads. One path would set off a carbon bomb with disastrous planetary consequences via a LNG export boom. The other path would build on recent wise choices in supporting renewable energy expansion. British Columbia is blessed with vast renewable energy capacity. Fully developed and deployed for the benefit of Canadians, real energy security and smart economic development are within reach. Approving a massive increase in LNG export projects would simply expose British Columbians to the unpredictability of an increasingly oversupplied export market while causing more than $1 trillion in climate damage.”
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Canada’s farthest-reaching network of organizations working on climate and energy issues, Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat (CAN-Rac) Canada is a coalition of more than 180 organizations operating from coast to coast to coast. Our membership brings environmental groups together with trade unions, First Nations, social justice, development, health and youth organizations, faith groups and local, grassroots initiatives.
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Vicky Coo, Communications Manager
comms@climateactionnetwork.ca