"I support strong -- and responsible -- exploration, mining and mineral processing industry in BC"

BC is Canada’s single largest exporter of coal, largest producer of copper and
the only producer of molybdenum (http://www.mining.bc.ca/bc-mining-week)

It's Mining Week in BC, and so it comes as know surprise, that in the past several days, my campaign email has been filled with messages from those supporting mining.  Near identical in nature, they generally put forward the following:

 

          Dear Candidate,

As a supporter of a strong and responsible exploration, mining and mineral processing industry in BC, I would like to know how you will support investment, growth and competitiveness in all stages of mineral resource development, if you are elected on May 14.

Mining supports jobs and families in communities across our province.  BC has 21 major mines, over 30 industrial mineral producers, 2 smelters and over 350 exploration projects.  There are also over 900 companies in BC that provide supplies and services to mining operations.  

In 2010 the BC mining industry supported over 37,000 well-paying direct and indirect jobs.  In 2011 it provided $9.9 billion to the BC economy and $805 million in payments to government to support important social programs, including education and healthcare.  

BC mines also provide the minerals and metals we need for every-day life.  Computers, bicycles, transit systems and hydroelectric energy transmission would not be possible without mining.

The mining industry will continue to play a key role in the economy of BC into the coming years if government and industry work together to support a strong exploration, mining and mineral processing industry that is committed to safety and leadership in environmental stewardship.

Please find below a set of questions developed by the www.votemining.ca campaign.  I am interested in knowing where you stand on these questions and how you will support a responsible exploration, mining and mineral processing industry if you are elected on May 14.

If you are elected ... etc ...

They then go on to ask several questions regarding my position, and that of the BC Conservatives, regarding support of mining in BC.  For anyone wondering, let me unequivocally state that; "I support strong -- and responsible -- exploration, mining and mineral processing industry in BC." 

 

Why should I have an issue with that statement?

 

I am a BC Conservative after all, and we support the good high-paying family supporting jobs, that come from safe and environmentally sound development projects. 

 

That's why I have NO problem providing the following response to these emails: 

 

The bottom line simple answer is that BC Conservative are pro-resource development, and unlike the BC Liberals and NDP, that is our starting point.  

 

We want the people of our province to have the good high-paying resource jobs that will help British Columbians enjoy a better lifestyle -- as well as supply government with the resources needed to provide the services we need as a society (health, education, seniors care, justice, etc). 

 

For many years Kamloops has been a community which has been the regional home to a number of mines, mining related businesses, mine management, and employees; we see no reason why this cannot, and should not, continue.  

 

We will of course take a strong stand that this cannot be done at the expense of our environment -- however we do believe that both goals can be met and accomplished.

 

Thank you for taking the time to get in touch with me, and for allowing me to respond.  On election day, I hope that we can have your support.

 

BC needs good quality jobs!  We need them for those in the workforce right now -- we need them for our children -- and we need them for our grandchildren.

 

We need them to provide the all important services that are essential to the people of our province; namely health, education, social service, public safety, safe highways and more. 

 

For those naysayers that oppose any and all development, I pose the following to you:

1. imagine what your life would be like without the kind of resource and industrial development we now have 
2. how greatly would your lifestyle changes 
3. are you willing to throw that all away

For anyone being totally honest, I know what your answer will be.  

 
Let's 'stay sharp' Kamloops.

 

I'm Peter Sharp -- I'm a BC Conservative -- and I BELIEVE in BC!