But the Liberals and rival New Democrats are in a fierce battle over how to develop and regulate the province's energy resources, and how to proceed on proposed megaprojects like oil pipelines.

 

The $6-billion Northern Gateway pipeline is sure to be a flashpoint issue in the campaign. Premier Christy Clark has said her Liberals would support the project if it meets strict conditions, including "world-leading" environmental protection, while NDP leader Adrian Dix is opposed to the project under any circumstances.

 

There's a separate fight over the proposed Kinder Morgan pipeline to Burnaby. Clark has said provincial support depends on conditions including reopening the Kitsilano coast guard station.

 

Dix is neutral on the project. The B.C. Conservatives support the pipelines. The B.C. Green Party opposes them.

 

Business groups and environmental activists are sure to play key roles on the election sidelines. Business is pushing for low taxes and reduced regulations to attract investment and spur development, while environmentalists fight back aggressively.

 

"People in B.C. are very worried about the massive increase in risk that we'd be exposed to if these two pipelines go ahead," said Eoin Madden of the Wilderness Committee. "It's clear the citizens of B.C. don't want them approved."

 

ENERGY: BY THE NUMBERS

 

32,000

 

Number of workers in oil, gas, coal and utilities.

 

6.8%

 

Energy sector as a percentage of B.C.'s total economy.

 

$55 BILLION

 

Oil and gas investment since 2001.

 

$1.4 BILLION

 

Oil and gas revenue to government.