Mining jobs and First Nations certainty offer hope in 2011
The beginning of a new year is a time for optimism, and nowhere is this more true than in Stikine.
We have a population base committed to remaining here despite the ups and downs of our rural, northern economy. We have abundant natural resources that many in other parts of the world desire. And we have intact ecosystems that sustain us.
All of this fuels our hopes that 2011 will be better for people living here. For many, that means increasing the number of jobs and improving the economy in the northwest.
In December I took in an event called Business Mining Risks in BC, where I was reminded of the linkages between the economy, health and education.
The Fraser Institute used the conference to highlight its annual survey of mining companies worldwide, and one of the questions they asked dealt with aboriginal land title. The mining companies surveyed ranked BC last out of 73 jurisdictions on the question of “uncertainty concerning native/aboriginal land claims.” This speaks to a monumental failure by the current provincial government to adequately address the certainty issue during their decade in power.
Later this month I will be returning to the Association of Mineral Exploration of BC’s annual RoundUp convention. In the spring I look forward to attending the Minerals North conference hosted by Stewart. Both of these events allow me to keep up-to-date on developments in an important part of our region’s economy.
Not that our hopes for the new year can rest solely on creating jobs in industries such as mining. When it comes to the economy, we can’t ignore the important role that our health and education programs provide, and improving their function is key when it comes to rural development. These programs are the best business subsidy programs one could imagine – an investment in the very people who make the rural economy run.
In 2011 I will continue my work to bring jobs to our region, bring us closer to resolving First Nations issues, and improve the delivery of health and education services in our rural communities. I hope you will see fit to join these efforts.