For Immediate Release
October 24, 2019
Statement on the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act by Michael Goehring, President & CEO of the Mining Association of BC
VANCOUVER, BC — “BC’s mining sector has a been a leader in economic reconciliation with BC’s Indigenous peoples through numerous agreements and partnerships that reflect UNDRIP principles.
We’re cautiously optimistic with proper implementation the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act will support and advance reconciliation and may lead to greater certainty on the land base.
How the legislation is implemented will be critical. The legislation and the action plan that will follow must set the conditions for more clarity and certainty on the land base.
We welcome the opportunity to work together with government and Indigenous leadership to advance clarity and certainty to ensure BC remains a cost-effective and globally competitive mining jurisdiction.”
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About the Mining Association of British Columbia:
MABC is the voice of mining in British Columbia, representing operating steelmaking coal, metal and industrial mineral producers, as well as smelting operations and advanced development companies in the province. Our mandate is to encourage the safe, responsible development and operation of mining and related facilities across British Columbia. MABC’s members include some of this province’s most iconic operating companies. In 2018, the mining industry generated $12.3 billion in economic activity and supported over 33,000 direct and indirect jobs in BC. The sector contributed $953 million in payments to the provincial government last year, not including corporate income tax and other employment related taxes.
