News Releases
BC Chamber Welcomes Reconciliation Protocol as Providing Benefits to First Nations and Certainty for Business
Vancouver, December 10, 2009 – Chambers of Commerce from across the province today welcomed the announcement from the Provincial Government and First Nations from the Central and North Coast of a new Coastal Reconciliation Protocol that will provide a more collaborative approach to decisions impacting the land base.
“This protocol represents a significant step forward in the relationship between the business community and the province and first nations, both of whom should be congratulated for the leadership this agreement represents,” said John Winter, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. “Our members have been clear; the most important issue for business is certainty around the use of the land base and a lucid understanding of the rules of the game. This protocol seems to address these concerns. In addition, our members will be pleased to see that the engagement framework is tailored to ensure that the level of involvement required on a given project is commensurate with the scale of the project, something that has been missing until now.”
The Protocol provides a number of components, including several economic development initiatives, an alternative energy plan and a framework and commitment to shared decision making and revenue sharing.
“Given the benefit to the business community from this protocol and the significant economic opportunities for first nations in the region we hope that other First Nations will follow the leadership shown by the Coastal First Nations and reach similar agreements with the province for the improvement of the economic climate for first nations and for all British Columbians” continued Winter.
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For more information on this issue please contact;
John Winter
President & CEO
BC Chamber of Commerce
D 604 638 8110
C 604.376.3577
E jwinter@bcchamber.org
