B.C. website for LNG job opportunities lacks jobs

It's an LNG opportunities websitewith no opportunities.

The B.C.NDP says the government has spent more than a million dollars to launch the LNG-Buy BC campaign and websitewith nothing to show for it.

"Thewebsiteis very pretty," saysNDP Leader JohnHorgan. "It's populated withpretty images, but when you click on any of the links you get zero."

LNG-Buy BC is supposed to connectpeople and business looking for opportunities in the LNG sector.

Thewebsite was created at a cost of over $850,000, andformer politician Gordon Wilson was appointedLNG-Buy BC Advocate at an annual salary of$150,000.

LNG-Buy BC touts itself as "a platform that helps businesses discover new opportunities and partnerships," and promises to "takes the heavy lifting out of searching for business opportunities."

There is a long list of business that have registered on the site looking for work, but not a single registrant looking to hire.

No LNG projects underway

Natural gas Minister Rich Coleman says although there are no LNG projects currently underway there are at least 20 being discussed.

He also says Horganand the NDP arelooking in the wrong place to find jobs.

"I'msurprisedabout how informedHorganis because if he wantsto find jobs he should goto Find your Fit, that is where we are connecting young people with jobs," said Coleman.

Find Your Fit is a government initiative aimed at helpingstudentsexplore different jobs.

The government saysWilson has been working at connecting people to the LNG industry by touringcommunities in the north, although critics say his position is nothing more than a patronage appointment earned by supporting the Liberals in the last election.

LNG promises

The Liberals and ChristyClark campaigned in 2013 on a promise that LNG development would generate 100,000 jobs. They also saidB.C. would be able to pay off all its debts with the money LNG generates,while also creatinga $100-billion prosperity fund with LNG money.

In last week's budget the government said the prosperity fund would go ahead, but without LNG contributions.