James: BC Needs a Mining Commission

As leader of the Official Opposition, I've spent much of the past year talking to people from all sectors and regions about how to create good jobs, raise the revenues needed for health and education and transition B.C.'s economy to become more dynamic, sustainable and diversified.

Two of the central messages I have heard back are that sound economic decision making must focus on the future as well as the present and that the impact on community health and the environment must be key considerations. The pending decision by the federal cabinet on whether or not to approve the proposed Taseko Prosperity Mine project near Williams Lake brings these issues to the forefront.

In July, the Federal Review Panel found that the proposed project would have significant adverse environmental effects, including the destruction of Fish Lake which is home to 90,000 rainbow trout. The independent panel also found it would have significant adverse effects to the Tsilhqot'in First Nations for whom Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) has cultural significance and has been fished for generations.

The Tsilhqot'in First Nations, with support from the Assembly of First Nations and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, are opposing the proposed mine. At the same time, they have made it clear this does not mean they are opposed to economic development. But, as Shawn Atleo, national chief of the AFN wrote recently, it must be done in an environmentally balanced way and involve real dialogue with local First Nations.

In contrast, the BC Liberals have deliberately ignored legitimate environmental and First Nations concerns sowing seeds of division and economic uncertainty. For example, Randy Hawes, junior mines minister, dismissed the Tsilhqot'in's legitimate concerns over Fish Lake, saying "I don't happen to agree that this is a very important lake."

Uncertainty hurts our economy

B.C.'s economic growth cannot be built on a foundation of conflict and division. It creates uncertainty for investors, industry, people and communities, and undermines the possibility for long-term economic planning and job growth.

This is not a new concept. Treaty tables were created in the 1990s with First Nations communities in respect of government's duty to respect constitutional rights and aboriginal desires to share the benefits of economic activity. During the same period, environmental consideration was strengthened and given legitimacy with greater independence from government through the creation of entities such as the Environmental Assessment Office and the Oil and Gas Commission.

We need to build on these examples and find better ways to promote economic activity like mining, which creates jobs and contributes to provincial revenues. One solution is the creation of a mining commission to work with mining companies, First Nations and local communities to find places where mining makes sense. It would create dialogue, mutual benefit and certainty.

Establish a mining commission

Over the coming months, the BC New Democrat opposition will consult with First Nations, the mining sector and communities and when the legislature resumes sitting in the new year, will introduce a private member's bill to establish a mining Commission so future projects, companies, communities and First Nations do not go through what those involved in this proposed project have.

And, before the federal cabinet acts, it should heed the advice of its own review panel and ensure local issues are addressed in the interest of aboriginal title, environmental protection and economic development.