B.C.’s mining association endorses land commission

The recent appointment of Stephen Owen as Resource and Environment Commissioner for British Columbia is viewed as a positive move by Tom Waterland, president of the Mining Association of British Columbia.

The appointment was announced in early January by the province’s newly elected New Democratic Party (NDP) government led by Michael Harcourt. The objective of the commission is to put an end to land-use battles in the province by developing a comprehensive land-use strategy.

“The uncertainties surrounding land-use and resource development rights must be resolved if our province is to prosper in the future,” Waterland said. “The establishment of a Resource and Environment Commission which incorporates regional planning is a very good beginning.”

Waterland said the association was pleased the planning would be done in the regions with significant input from local residents within the regions. “These people derive their livelihoods from use of resources and are, therefore, more directly dependent on their proper use than many of our urban dwellers,” Waterland added. “It is essential that their involvement in developing a land-use strategy be given every consideration.” Waterland also said an attitude of compromise is essential to resolving land-use issues.