The Opportunity
The coming years will see a boom in mine project proposals, particularly in the northwest of BC where the NorthWest Transmission Line will make inexpensive energy available. Premier Christy Clark has promised 8 new mines by 2015 as part of her jobs plan. Now is the time for British Columbia to modernize its mineral tenure legislation to make sure we do not sacrifice community rights, human health and the environment for short-term economic gain.
In 2009, Ontario introduced legislation to modernize its mining act, paving the way for BC to do the same with a greater focus on conservation principles and community development plans. The significant changes that Ontario has made include increased regulatory requirements for early stage exploration, required consultation at every stage of exploration and a dispute resolution for early solutions to internet-based staking.
British Columbians support mining reform. A full 61% of British Columbians support the notion of strong environmental regulation for the mining industry, even if economic growth slows as a result.
