Government criticized at meeting

Plenty of good advice and more than a little criticism surfaced at the fifth Minerals North Conference in Fort St. James in British Columbia.

For example, Thomas Waterland, former president of the province’s Mining Association, told the audience to “get directly involved in the political process if you want to bring about change in government policy. “Demand accountability from your elected politicians and be in constant contact with them through active participation in discussion groups, and by writing letters and lobbying efforts, individually or collectively. Get directly involved in political parties as members or candidates for election, municipally, provincially or federally; make sure that the mining industry is well-represented and well-heard in all phases of the political process. No government has been given the mandate to destroy our economy, either through ignorance or design.”

William Giachino, chairman of the Mining Suppliers, Contractors and Consultants Association of British Columbia, noted that “political and public ignorance and apathy” are to blame for the state of mining today. “Because of this ignorance and apathy, the industry could die. New mines must be found and that’s just not happening. Mining companies are being encouraged to go elsewhere. We are telling them (the companies) we don’t want them here in B.C.”

— From “Mining in B.C.,” published by the Mining Association of British Columbia.