LNG deal close, premier says in UBCM address

B.C. Premier John Horganstated thathis governmentwas "very, very close to having a final investment decision from an LNG company," during his closing address to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities in Whistler, B.C.

When asked by reporters about a timeline, he said an announcement could come in the next couple of weeks.

That news was the most significant to come out of Horgan'swide-ranging speech to close out the UBCMconvention, which beganwith attempts at humour around the resolution to eliminate daylight timethat was narrowly accepted by delegates earlier in the day.

Horgan then moved on to addressing the second straight year of devastating floods and wildfires in the province, pledging to stay away from photo opsto remainfocused on emergency response and recovery efforts.

Without revealing any details, Horgansaid wildfire prevention and readiness would be addressed in the next provincial budget.

"We need to get fuel off the forest floor," he said. "We need to stop doing what we've done in the past because it's just not good enough."

The premier was his most fired up speaking about the upcoming referendum on electoral reform and his support for replacing the first-past-the-post system with a system of proportional representation.

"We need to look at our electoral system as a form of cooperation rather than a form of conflict," he said. "I believe the time is rightthe public needs it and wants it."

Read more from CBCBritish Columbia