February 10, 2025
(Tokyo, Japan) Energy for a Secure Future (ESF), the Institute of Energy Economics (IEEJ), Japan, and the First Nations LNG Alliance have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance energy trade between Canada and Japan. The MOU signing ceremony, held at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo, was part of the ESF’s mission to Japan and the Canada-Japan Energy Partnership Forum.
Energy for a Secure Future led a delegation of leaders from Indigenous organizations and industry representatives from Canada on an Energy Security Trade Mission to Japan. The mission’s goals were to meet Canada’s potential energy customers, learn about their needs, and show unity in Canada’s work to deliver as an energy security partner. Canada’s energy, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG), has a critical role to play helping Japan and other nations in the Asia Pacific to reduce emissions, enhance energy security, and strengthen their economies. Success in this will also support a strong Canada.
The following are the key highlights of the agreement as part of the MOU:
- Support for LNG Trade: The signatories commit to advancing LNG trade between Canada and Asia, recognizing its economic, social, and environmental benefits.
- Value of Canadian LNG: The agreement acknowledges Canadian LNG’s role in global energy cooperation, emissions reduction, and economic development.
- Information Sharing & Collaboration: The parties agree to exchange information on the benefits of Canada-Japan LNG trade, including energy security, poverty alleviation, emissions management, and environmental improvements.
“Japan wants diverse energy partners, and on this mission we’ve heard clearly that they want Canada to be one of those partners. It is critical for them to know that we in Canada are united in our commitment to deliver for them. A strong energy partnership between our nations has the potential to deliver significant environmental, security and economic benefits for Japan and the broader Asia-Pacific region—and this MOU shows that it’s not only governments working toward this but the do-ers on the ground.”
– Shannon Joseph, Chair, Energy for a Secure Future
“We see LNG from strategic partners like Canada as important to our energy security and our country’s efforts to significantly reduce our dependence on coal as well as to provide dispatchable power to deal with the intermittency of renewable power. This is true today and, in the decades to come. This MOU comes at an important time, and I look forward to working with my partners in Canada.”
– Tatsuya Terazawa, Chairman, Institute of Energy Economics, Japan – IEEJ
“Indigenous nations are demonstrating leadership in the energy sector as owners, partners, and innovators. Our involvement in LNG not only represents an opportunity for economic growth for our communities and for Canada but will help the world with energy security and emissions reduction. First Nations LNG Alliance is proud to be part of this MOU, and we look forward to working with ESF and IEEJ.”
-Karen Ogen, CEO, First Nations LNG Alliance
“B.C. is focused on expanding and diversifying international markets for B.C. goods, and Japan remains a key priority. We’re starting from a strong foundation of ongoing trade, economic investment and responsible development of our resources in partnership with First Nations. Energy commodities such as electricity, natural gas and metallurgical coal are key exports for British Columbia, and expanding our exports with our trusted trade partners into new markets will continue to support British Columbia’s economy. We look forward to continuing to foster these relationships, while creating more good jobs and investment opportunities for British Columbians.”
– Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation of British Columbia
“Alberta is a trusted global energy partner with the resources, expertise, and experience needed to help Canada and Japan meet rising energy demands and secure energy security and reliability for decades to come. This MOU is a great step in the right direction, and we look forward to working with Indigenous partners and industry leaders to deliver the secure, responsible and reliable energy that Japan and the world needs.”
-Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, Government of Alberta
ESF’s mission to Japan facilitated meaningful exchanges on key energy topics, including Japan’s energy outlook and goals and Canada’s capacity to serve as a low-emission energy security partner—starting with LNG exports. The conversations highlighted the vital role of Indigenous-industry partnerships in strengthening Canada’s global energy position. A key achievement of this mission was forging relationships between Indigenous and industry leaders from Canada and energy leaders in Japan, a priority reflected in this MOU.
About Energy for a Secure Future
Energy for a Secure Future is a non-partisan civil society initiative that brings together Canadian business leaders, Indigenous peoples, organizations, and experts in a new conversation about energy and building a secure future for Canada and our allies around the world.
For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact:
Harshivam Bawa
Manager, Public Affairs
Energy for a Secure Future
+1-226-219-7562
[email protected]
