Modernizing BC’s Mineral Tenure Act
B.C.’s 140-year-old Mineral Tenure Act must be modernized in order to avoid growing land use conflict around the province. The act, based on the principle of “free entry”, allows miners to pay a minimal fee to stake a claim in British Columbia without consultation or approval from the provincial government, First Nations or landowners. Once an on-line mining claim is made--with the click of a mouse and a credit card-the claim creates legal entitlement that supersedes other potential land uses, leading to protracted conflicts with environmental, values, First Nations’ rights and private property.
B.C. must follow the lead of provinces such as Alberta and Ontario and abolish the free entry system. A modern B.C. Mineral Tenure Act must allow for First Nations and environmental review before tenure rights are awarded.
