In a secret, backroom deal the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) granted an exclusive monopoly for liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and many other Canadian exports to two companies – and unilaterally capped how much of this critical fuel Canada can export from Prince Rupert. This is harming Canadians and our valued trade partners who are looking to Canada for safe, secure supply.
Monopolistic Control – All Canadian LPG, exported anywhere except the U.S., is under the control of a single entity, creating an incentive to artificially restrict capacity and hike prices.
Missed Opportunity – Canada will miss out on the benefits of un-tariffed and premium-priced exports to the Asia-Pacific.
Loss of Customers & Investment – Asia-Pacific buyers don’t want to only rely on a single supplier for an essential fuel. If the monopoly stands, they’ll increasingly source supply and invest elsewhere – to the detriment of Canadian jobs.
Indigenous Rights and Title – The Metlakatla First Nation has strongly objected to the undisclosed exclusivity grant and has withdrawn its consent for an under-construction LPG project as a result.
This threatens to poison investment in Prince Rupert and restrict the growth. And all this is happening against the backdrop of global conflict, uncertainty and energy market disruption – in other words, at precisely the moment the world needs Canadian energy more than ever.The window is closing – It’s time to open the Port of Prince Rupert fully for Canadian energy exports.