To the Editor,
We ignore our B.C. resource sector economy at our own peril.
For workers in B.C., a job in mining and exploration, for example, is a low-risk, high-return activity. The mining industry maintains world-leading health, safety, and environmental standards, and the environmental review processes that govern whether a new mine can go ahead or not are stringent, fair, and science-based.
The $10 billion annual gross revenue generated by B.C.’s mining industry also provides a 300-to-1 return on the government’s investment in the sector. Millions of dollars more are generated for local municipalities through property taxes on head offices, industry-related trades, and suppliers.
It’s time for all of our municipal politicians to get on board and take a stand in support of B.C.’s resource sector. Demand it from them in the election Nov. 15.
Fred ReemeyerCoquitlam