March 04, 2010
Throne speech: faster process to approve resource projects
Prince George Citizen
NEWS, Page: 1 / FRONT
The federal Conservative government indicated in its throne speech Wednesday it will be reducing red tape for the review of natural resources projects, which could have significant implications for projects in northern B.C.
The B.C. mining industry immediately lauded the promise of regulatory streamlining in the throne speech, delivered to Parliament by Gov. General Michaelle Jean.
“Today’s commitment to regulatory reform is a welcome signal to industry that Canada is open to investment,” said Pierre Gratton, president and CEO of the B.C. Mining Association.
In the throne speech, the Conservative government noted that Canada’s energy resource endowment provides Canada with an unparalleled economic advantage.
The speech noted that Canada is the world’s seventh largest crude oil producer with the second largest proven reserves. Canada is also the third largest natural gas producer, the third largest hydroelectric generator, and the largest producer of uranium.
In northern B.C., gold, copper and coal are the main mineral commodities produced. There are also plans to build natural gas and oil pipelines through northern B.C.
“To support responsible development of Canada’s energy and mineral resources, our government will untangle the daunting maze of regulations that needlessly complicates project approvals, replacing it with simpler, clearer processes that offer improved environmental protection and greater certainty to industry,” the Conservative government said.
The BC. mining industry in particular has raised concerns that the federal and provincial regulatory processes overlap and are often out of sync. This can create a lengthy, and uncertain process, says the industry.
For example, it took more than three years for Terrane Metal’s $917-million Mt. Milligan gold and copper mine to get approval from both the provincial and federal governments. The B.C. Liberal government has also called for a streamlined review process. However, environmental groups and First Nations have been wary of streamlining regulatory review processes. First Nations in B.C. have said they want a say in any changes.
Northern B.C. NDP MP Nathan Cullen noted that while natural resource companies are looking for certainty, he doesn’t believe that the regulatory process is an impediment. Instead, he said more say needs to be given to First Nations and local communities on projects. “If folks don’t feel they have any influence, they tend to resist,” he said.
An examination of the review process last year by The Citizen found that eight natural resource projects in northern B.C. were worth more than $7 billion, would create an estimated 4,000 construction jobs and 2,000 permanent jobs.
Many northern B.C. communities have been supportive of mining projects as a way to diversify their forest-based economies.
The mayors of Mackenzie, Vanderhoof, Burns Lake, Hazelton and Stewart jointed mining and business groups recently in asking the government to state their commitment to regulatory reform.
