N.B. minister touts Saint John infrastructure to export LNG to Europe

New Brunswick Minister of Natural Resources John Herron talks about the possibility of exporting LNG.

As Prime Minister Mark Carney teases the possibility of liquified natural gas (LNG) investment, the New Brunswick minister of Natural Resources says Saint John is ready and capable to export overseas.

In an interview with CTV News Atlantic’s Todd Battis, MLA John Herron said Saint John, which already has an LNG facility, is in a good position to reach European markets.

Last month, Carney said his government will soon reveal major port infrastructure investments in Montreal and Churchill, Man.

“Which would open up enormous LNG, plus other opportunities, and other East Coast ports for those critical minerals,” Carney said. “There is a lot happening. It’s the number one focus of this government— is to build that infrastructure, and particularly infrastructure that helps us deepen our partnership with European partners and particularly Germany.”

Herron said the push to export LNG to Europe is a “date-driven exercise” as Canada could soon be competing with other suppliers like Quatar.

“We need to get to that European market in the next three-to-four years,” he said. “The only site in Canada that can get to market within three-to-four years would be a location that has pre-existing LNG infrastructure and pipeline infrastructure, and that is Saint John.

“This is a national project.”

-With files from CTV News’ Rachel Aiello

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