LandKeepers News Archive
Province to share mining benefits with First Nations
October 23 2008 | Media Releases | Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
Oct. 23, 2008
PROVINCE TO SHARE MINING BENEFITS WITH FIRST NATIONS
VICTORIA – The Province has authorized its provincial negotiators to include revenue sharing with First Nations on new mining projects, Minister of State for Mining Gordon Hogg announced today. British Columbia is the first province in Canada to share direct revenue generated from mining. The process for development of revenue sharing will be decided on a project-by-project basis. Revenue sharing on new mining projects will place a strong focus on community development to assist First Nations in achieving their social and economic goals.
“Government is prepared to share the direct benefits of mining with First Nations,” Hogg said. “Revenue sharing is one of the key elements of the New Relationship and will help to build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all British Columbians.”
The revenue-sharing approach will be used where there is a proposed project that will result in a new stream of direct resource revenue to the Province. This process will ensure that First Nations receive revenue throughout the life of those mining projects.
Aboriginal leaders have asked government to include revenue sharing on new mine developments and there will be further discussions with the First Nation Leadership Council on how revenue sharing will occur. The mining industry has also been clear that First Nations need to be included in the revenue stream.
“The Province looks forward to working co-operatively with industry and First Nations to develop profitably and environmentally sensitive projects for the benefit of all British Columbians,” Hogg added. The mining industry is already working with First Nations, and the Province supports them in continuing their efforts. British Columbia is building a new relationship with First Nations founded on mutual respect, recognition and reconciliation, which will support Aboriginal people’s participation in the province’s economic and social progress.
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