Finance committee hears from exasperated mining industry
Oct. 18, 2011 (SMITHERS, BC) – Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson and the mining industry are calling on the BC Liberal government to support core funding for Northwest Community College’s School of Exploration and Mining, and to provide clear direction on First Nations consultation.
Donaldson was commenting following a presentation made by Imperial Metals vice-president Byng Giraud to the bi-partisan finance committee in Cranbrook. Imperial Metals operates the Huckleberry Mine southeast of Smithers amongst other interests.
“This award-winning program at Northwest Community College subsists year-to-year because of a lack of funding commitment from the Ministry of Advanced Education,” said Donaldson. “The School of Exploration and Mining would not have to face this instability if Premier Clark was genuinely concerned about local jobs for local people.”
Giraud told the finance committee, “I don’t usually come asking for money as a mining company. But we think that if they [NWCC – SEM] were to get the core funding, as a private sector we would be able to help them leverage that money – use some of our money to produce the programs and produce the people that we need to operate our facilities.”
Donaldson points out opportunities for mining training and jobs depend upon successful negotiations with First Nations on mine development, something that the BC Liberals have
bungled and has resulted in lost opportunities.
“I agree with the mining sector that the single largest impediment to investment is the question mark around First Nations consultation,” said the Stikine MLA. “Industry representatives at the finance committee have reiterated what the courts have said – that it is the government’s obligation to consult. Companies want their role in the process clarified by the province. It is very disappointing we’ve gotten to the point of dysfunction within government on this topic. I lay the blame directly with the Premier and the relevant Ministers for a state of confusion that threatens responsible economic development in our region.”
Contact: Doug Donaldson, (250) 505-7785