COMMENTARY — The power of public opinion

When it comes to mining, government is a big player, and the impact it has on our industry is enormous.

Land use, land claims, mineral tenure, taxation and the labor code (to name but a few areas) are all controlled by government.

Although public opinion and special interest groups do not exclusively shape the government’s attitude toward mining, they are nonetheless two of the most important influences. More so than in the past, politicians follow public opinion, and special interest groups, in turn, have a significant impact on those opinions.

Our industry must face political realities such as the protection of the environment. Environmental stewardship is an enduring public concern, and it is here to stay — which is a good thing for all of us.

The power of special interest groups is an enduring phenomenon in an advanced democracy such as ours. A group that demonstrates support for one cause or another can create an impression of broad public support. Indeed, such a group could very well be representative of the feelings of the broader population — a possibility that political strategists cannot afford to overlook.

Special interest groups are often accomplished at lobbying and attracting media attention, and public opinion can be easily swayed by such efforts.

Instead of waiting every four years or so to find out what the public thinks at the voting booth, governments and political parties can acquire that information at any time by taking a poll.

The appetite, in political circles, for this information has grown enormously, especially in the case of British Columbia’s current government, which polls frequently.

Special interest groups that can turn public opinion to their favor stand to benefit from government decisions — when those decisions are based on what the public desires.

Gauging public opinion has become more and more common, thanks to modern technology, which renders polling fast, easy and accurate.

In days gone by, if groups wanted the government to be supportive of their cause, lobbyists were hired to carry the message to the corridors of power.

That doesn’t cut it today — if you want to get anywhere, public opinion has to be on your side.

Winning greater public support for mining was our overall objective when, prior to the last election in British Columbia, we developed and launched the Mining Awareness Program. Specifically, our goal was to build public awareness and motivate political support.

The methods we employed to achieve those goals included radio and newspaper advertisements, a public opinion poll and a voters’ guide on all candidates.

Although environmentalists were suspicious about the objective of our campaign, mining employees were glad to see the industry stand up for itself.

As a result, mining was put back on British Columbia’s political agenda, and questionnaires pertaining to political candidates generated considerable debate.

The first Mining Awareness program is now over, and it is time to look at other options.

Plans include the formation of a mining caucus to identify and establish communication links with members of the legislative assembly (MLA) whose constituencies encompass one or more mine sites. The program has also begun an educational initiative whereby industry representatives are matched with urban MLAs who have only a rudimentary interest in, and knowledge of, mining.

Mining Day at the legislature, which is scheduled for April 15, will allow mining executives, union leaders, mayors and suppliers to meet with 75 MLAs and key bureaucrats in an attempt to increase, still further, the public’s awareness of mining.

— The author is the president and chief executive officer of the Mining Association of British Columbia. The preceding is an excerpt of a speech he delivered at a recent conference.