PREMIER David Eby in a speech to the business community, mining industry, First Nations and conservation organizations on Monday outlined an approach to mining development in the northwest that combines economic growth, reconciliation and conservation to realize an opportunity for tens of billions of dollars in investment and thousands of good paying jobs to support families throughout the province.
“Here in British Columbia, economic development, conservation of precious water and land, and partnership with First Nations go hand-in-hand,” Eby said. “Our approach makes B.C. a world-class place to invest, and our province has all it takes to succeed in the face of global challenges. By working together to seize the potential in the northwest, we can also drive private-sector investment that will benefit all British Columbians for decades to come.”
To drive B.C. becoming the economic engine of Canada’s new economy, the Province will support the strategy through a range of measures. In the coming weeks the province will provide additional details on how the plan will be executed, including:
* working to complete consent-based agreements with First Nations to provide predictability on processes for resource development;
* an inclusive expedited process to protect important lands and watersheds in partnership with First Nations that balances with development of this significant economic opportunity;
* investments in the social well-being and physical infrastructure northern communities need to thrive alongside new economic growth;
* working with other provinces and Ottawa to seek new trade agreements that prioritize B.C.’s minerals and metals;
* continuing government’s work to provide resources to speed up permitting while maintaining high environmental standards and B.C.’s commitment to reconciliation;
* Building out B.C.’s clean electricity grid, powering new mines and mine extensions, while ensuring B.C.’s mine industry is the cleanest in the world;
* providing certainty and timeliness for investors through future regulatory and infrastructure policy changes;
* aligning approval processes for projects of provincial or national significance with Ottawa so that there is one project, one review.
“We are taking steps to cement the northwest as a key economic driver for Canada., while also protecting the waters and lands we all love, and working toward reconciliation” said Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals. “I look forward to continuing our work with First Nations, industry, and local communities to deliver this vision for the benefit of everyone in the northwest and across British Columbia.”
B.C. is uniquely positioned with port access to growing and emerging markets in Asia where critical minerals are in high demand. Unlocking these jobs through the critical minerals vision creates generational opportunities for long-term jobs and economic prosperity.
“By supporting the responsible stewardship of B.C.’s natural resources while encouraging sustainable economic growth, we are creating more opportunities for everyone,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “In partnership with First Nations, we have a generational opportunity to protect important lands and waters and to open economic prospects for the benefit all British Columbians.”
Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, said: “Through our critical minerals vision, we’re growing B.C.’s economy in partnership with First Nations, guided by B.C.’s Declaration Act. Together, we’re building a future in our province where growing the economy and reconciliation can advance together so that all people can thrive for generations to come.”
Facts about critical minerals:
* According to the International Energy Agency, global demand for some critical minerals is expected to increase five-fold by 2040, including for some clean energy technology minerals B.C. produces.
* The International Energy Agency highlights copper in particular demand, with forecast supply shortage by 2035 – a key commodity that is produced in B.C.
* B.C. currently produces or has the potential to produce 19 of Canada’s 34 critical minerals (like nickel, rare earth elements and antimony), essential to Canada’s economic independence and national security.
* The opportunity in the northwest builds on progress made over the last eight years, as investment in B.C.’s mining sector has grown rapidly through a focus on developing the industry working with First Nations, protecting land and watersheds, and developing sustainably over generations.
* 4,000 new jobs have been added in the sector since 2017, with approximately 40,000 British Columbians now working in the sector, earning an average annual salary of $139,000.
* Over the last three years, capital investment in B.C.’s mining sector is the highest it has ever been, growing 112% since 2017.
* About 18.5 million hectares of protected and conserved areas in B.C. have been protected, which is nearly 20% of B.C.’s total land area.
* B.C. is joining other jurisdictions around the world in enhancing nature conservation efforts.
* The province committed to protect 30% of the land and water in B.C. by 2030, and the northwest is an important area that can contribute to this.
