Policy & Positions Manual
Policy Priority Area - A Vibrant Resource Sector
Statement of Policy
British Columbia is, and will remain for at least the immediate future, a resource economy. The materials derived from mineral and petroleum deposits, as well as the power derived from energy resources, also the activities and necessary infrastructure associated with their discovery, development, and distribution are crucial to the continued economic growth of British Columbia’s communities, the Province of BC, and Canada as a whole.
The Chamber supports the prudent development of British Columbia’s vast natural resources in a manner that creates competitive advantages for the BC economy, ensures a resource legacy to future generations and creates jobs and income to help support the province’s economic, social and environmental well-being. Further to this, the Chamber believes that BC’s natural resources must be developed in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner that directly considers the positions of stakeholders and First Nations across British Columbia.
Government plays a critical role in ensuring our resource industries are as competitive as possible on the global stage. This is done through providing the structure and assistance that encourages the development, and investments, in these critical industries.
BC is well endowed with these primary resources, and Government at all levels should be energetically promoting the development of those resources for the future economic and social benefit of our society.
Although the Chamber advocates careful management and the wise use of the natural environment, the preservation and enhancement of the social and economic environments essential for the welfare of humanity is equally important. To achieve this balance will require continued and enhanced production of resources such as metals, coal, natural gas, industrial minerals, electric power, as well as the maintenance of an environmental product that enhances our reputation as ‘Beautiful BC.’
Consequently, review processes of proposed resource developments must balance the impact on the natural environment against the social and economic requirements of society for the products recovered. Duplicative review processes between Federal Government agencies or duplication between federal and provincial processes must be eliminated. The approval process must be efficient and transparent, and “one-stop shopping” processes must be used wherever possible to create a more attractive investment climate for project developers.
The benefits which should accrue from specific resource development are often threatened by review and permitting delays which undermine investor confidence and result in a loss of market opportunities. Time is of the essence and it is essential that government investigations be made promptly and decisions be rendered expeditiously. Duplicative processes must be eliminated.
