MT. MILLIGAN, PROSPERITY DECISIONS HIGHLIGHT NEED FOR MINING COMMISSION, JAMES SAYS

VICTORIA - Tuesday's federal decisions rejecting one mine proposal while allowing another to proceed are precisely why British Columbia needs a mining commission, say the New Democrats.

The federal government denied the application for Taseko's Prosperity mine near Williams Lake and allowed Thompson Creek Metals gold-copper mine at Mount Milligan, near Prince George.

"A mining commission would work with local communities, First Nations and mining interests to find where mining makes sense," said New Democrat Leader Carole James. "It would help create stability for an industry that requires long-term certainty and ensure that there is mutual benefit for extracting natural resources without sacrificing natural lakes or other valuable parts of our environment.

"The Mount Milligan proposal had the broad support of the local community and local First Nations, and it included steps to mitigate the environmental impacts," said New Democrat Leader Carole James. "The Prosperity project was a lightning rod for controversy, especially because it included a plan to drain Teztan Biny (Fish Lake), which has cultural significance for the Tsilhqot'in and has been fished for food for generations."

Taseko's proposal has been years in the making, with the company making significant investments in time and money.

"A properly structured mining commission would streamline the process. It would give First Nations, local communities, environmental professionals and other stakeholders the opportunity to have input on and improve proposals before they go to the mandated environmental review process," said James.

The Carole James New Democrats are working on solutions to ensure that natural resources are used effectively to create jobs in British Columbia, while still respecting First Nations, environmental sustainability and local community needs.