After 4 days of divisive and passionate pleas for and against 'New Prosperity' - the 3 member Federal Review Panel reviewing 'New Prosperity' has concluded its' General Public Hearings and last night commenced the 'Topic-Specific' sessions starting with Geology/Hydrogeology which will wrap up Saturday at 5pm
Meanwhile - yesterday, TNG Tribal Chair Joe Alphonse presented to the Panel and said, in part (courtesy of Taseko Mines):
"We have to bring pride back to our people. We have a long ways to go. We have come a long ways, other communities are probably already there but I don’t come from other communities.” He added that he “believes the process has been manipulated. I’m here to tell you, you watch every more you make from here on in. Everything that’s recorded and every step from here on in I’m here to tell you, you make sure you follow your mandate to a tee. They’re already got their mind made up what they’re going to do with this project (New Prosperity. “
While the Cariboo Regional District expressed its' support for the project which you can read their brief to the Panel here
As far as media coverage goes:
Vancouver Sun - Columnist Barbara Yaffe on July 23rd called for 'compromise' for this project saying that 'environmental protection and jobs can go hand in hand'. Read her column here
Global BC - Reporter Geoff Hastings visits Fish Lake. Watch below:
Sun News - Hard hitting journalist Ezra Lavant 'rants' on New Prosperity. Watch below:
PG Citizen - TNG rep Joan Kuyek calls approval of 'New Prosperity' environmental racism - read here
Taseko Mines:
Quote of the day: “It is an honor to be here to talk about what I consider an outstanding project” – Dr. John Meech, Professor of Mining Engineering at UBC, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering
Prosperity is the Goal for Cariboo Business
The Chambers of Commerce from both Williams Lake and 100 Mile House strongly endorse New Prosperity. Jason Ryll, President of the Williams Lake Chamber of Commerce, says, “Prosperity is our goal at the Chamber, and we believe it [New Prosperity] has many positive implications for all our communities.” In describing the region he said, “Our communities in the Cariboo are shrinking because the people are moving away because the jobs aren`t here. People go where the work is, which means the burden becomes heavier, and the choices get fewer for those who remain.” Mr Ryll urged the Panel to consider the message that would be sent to other potential investors in our province if this mine is turned down. “I fear that message would be that BC is not open for business and that would be devastating to our entire provincial economy, no matter where you live.”
Largest Cariboo Communities Support Project
Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile and the Cariboo Regional District have each now appeared before the Panel expressing support for New Prosperity.
Industry Associations Talk Value of Sustainable Mining (continued from Day 3)
Pierre Gratton, MAC (Mining Assoc of Canada) , and Zoe Yougner, MABC (Mining Assoc of BC), spoke to the environmental practices of the industry and the strict regulatory compliance the Canada and British Columbia demand. “Canada is one of the safest and most responsible mineral suppliers in the world”, says Mr. Gratton. New Prosperity is a responsible project, based on proven science that will deliver on the industry standards MAC and MABC have set out for mining companies in Canada and BC.
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