Northwest Land-use Planning Next-Stage Engagement

VANCOUVER, BC – Tim McEwan, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs of the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) made the following statement on today’s announcement by the Government of British Columbia that it is seeking stakeholder feedback on draft land use plans for the Meziadin River Watershed Salmon Habitat Conservation Planning Project, Kaska-BC Land-Use Planning Project, and Klappan Plan for the proposed conservation of the Sacred Headwaters in Northwest British Columbia:

“MABC will take the time necessary to review details of the draft plans released today and is pleased to continue to participate in the province’s land use planning process.

As initial conservation areas identified in today’s announcement and any further measures are considered, it is important that the province continue to engage meaningfully with mineral rights holders and the public at large in a manner that is balanced, informed, and inclusive.

Given the potential implications the land-use plans may have on the future of BC mining, mining investment, and the broader public interest, it is also important that the province transparently discloses information regarding any agreements and undertakings with First Nations and other interests to the greatest extent possible.”