Premier David Eby has unveiled his plan to speed up mining development in northwestern B.C. to boost the provincial economy. But the announcement was overshadowed by growing opposition to a controversial law that will fast-track infrastructure and resource projects.
Eby says he has a plan to enable the province to fast-track mining development in northwestern BC, while respecting First Nations rights and conserving B.C.’s sensitive ecosystems.
“High environmental standards and partnerships with First Nations are not at odds with resource development,” Eby said at a news conference overlooking the Port of Vancouver on Monday.
“Here in British Columbia, economic development, conservation of precious water and land and partnership with First Nations go together.”
“Trust has been broken between First Nations and the David Eby government,” said Tom.
Eby says the government’s economic plans for mining are not connected to the proposed law.
“There’s no connection between Bill 15 and today’s announcement,” he said.
That, despite mines being a key example cited at Eby’s news conference on May 1, when he announced the bill.
Eby acknowledged that a mining project could be deemed “provincially significant” and therefore fast-tracked under that same bill.
“We do have theoretically — should the bill pass — opportunities under Bill 15,” Eby said in response to a question from CBC News. “But even if Bill 15 didn’t exist, we’d still be doing this announcement today.”
The Association for Mineral Exploration said in a statement that in order for the province’s proposed strategy for mining exploration to succeed, “it must be an open and transparent process that includes the mineral exploration sector at the table with government, First Nations and other partners.”
“We want to see our lives change for the better,” said Beverly Slater, the president of the Talhtan Central Government.
In 2023, the Tahltan Central Government and the province reached a co-operation deal on the Red Chris gold and copper mine located in Tahltan Territory.
However, none of the First Nations’ leaders at the news conference wanted to speak publicly about Bill 15 when asked by CBC News.
MLAs are set to vote on the final stage of the bill this week.
Don Tom says if it passes, First Nations groups are prepared to launch legal action.
