Conservative chaos, cuts put B.C.’s jobs plan at risk

PRINCE RUPERT – Today, David Eby started rolling out his plan to create jobs and grow paycheques, pledging to double critical‑mineral exports within five years and expand the Port of Prince Rupert.

“B.C. has an abundance of critical minerals other countries need. Getting them to world markets means less dependence on the U.S. while creating family-supporting jobs and the prosperity needed to strengthen health care and public services,” said David Eby, BC NDP leader. “This is part of my plan to work with the Prime Minister and build a more independent Canada. The BC Conservatives oppose that plan. We can’t afford to rip up what’s working and turn our province over to chaos and cuts. That would put all our progress at risk.”

British Columbia is emerging as Canada’s critical minerals powerhouse – with 18 new and expanded mines in development driving $39 billion in GDP growth, and tens of thousands of jobs. Every ten jobs on a mine site creates eighteen more across the province. To seize this generational opportunity and secure more economic independence from the United States, B.C. will double its production and export of critical minerals within five years.

Highlights of Eby’s plan to double critical mineral exports:

• Accelerating approvals for major mines by running environmental assessments and permits concurrently — cutting timelines by over 60%.
• Fast‑tracking the North Coast Transmission Line and building it with Canadian steel to power new mines with clean, reliable made-in-B.C. electricity.
• Building a skilled, union‑led workforce so the mines of tomorrow can hire the students of today for good-paying jobs.
• Maximizing value from our natural resources and creating more jobs by increasing B.C.’s smelting and refining capacity.
• Meeting fixed permitting timelines for mining exploration paired with strong environmental protections and meaningful First Nations engagement.
• Protecting worker safety by strengthening inspection powers and enforcement and ensuring full-time worker representation on health and safety committees.

Eby committed to working with the Prince Rupert Port Authority, Gateway Partners and the federal government to keep expanding the port’s network that links ships, trains and trucks. This will open new trade opportunities for forestry, agriculture and consumer goods, supporting jobs and communities across the province.

The port’s expansion is part of the historic $20 billion agreement between David Eby and Prime Minister Carney that sets British Columbia on a generational path to prosperity. The BC Conservatives have opposed the agreement.

A re-elected BC NDP government will also invest $5 million in the Prince Rupert Port Authority to help grow the local tourism economy. The funding will support work with the cruise terminal, local government, and businesses to expand cruise operations and build on Prince Rupert’s success as a growing destination for cruise ships, supporting good jobs for people in the community.