I note with some interest that 'New Prosperity' supporter Len Doucette is being given a 2nd opportunity to present at Alexis Creek on August 12th. I find this odd as usually the Panel likes to hear from a range of people prior to hearing from people who have already addressed the Panel a first time. Not sure when 'new' information Mr. Doucette could present, but nevertheless I look forward to hearing it
Finally - J.P. Leplante (TNG Oil, Gas and Mining Manager) has requested confidentiality for a report, entitled 'The Identification of Ancestral Tŝilhqot’in Graves within the Vicinity of the Proposed New Prosperity mine: Nabaŝ and Teztan Biny'. I would note that during the 'Prosperity' federal review, the same type of request was made of the then-Panel and was approved. In those circumstances - only the confidential applicant, Taseko Mines and Panel members would remain in the room, members of the general public would be excused and no record (written/audio) of the 'in-camera' meeting would occur.
I fully expect that the request from the TNG to the Federal Review Panel (New Prosperity) will be approved sometime late Wednesday. Read more here
Meanwhile, in today's Williams Lake Tribune - columnist Diana French calls out Williams Lake City Council as 'hypocrites' for supporting 'ecosystems' in the City of Williams Lake's Official Community Plan but has a different take for land in the Chilcotin. Read below:
I wish the city had just kept quiet about Prosperity Mine until the CEAA panel had done its job.
Along with “Partnering with First Nations,” the 10 strategic priorities in the Williams Lake Official Community Plan include 11 pages of “Creating our Future- Cherished Ecosystems.” ( See the city website.)
It begins: “The health and well being of the community is closely linked to the health and well-being of our natural environment including lands and water bodies both within and outside our city. Clean air, soil, water, and healthy local ecosystems underlie our health and well being, and attract people to live, work and visit and invest in our city. To be good stewards of our environment means working with our community so that we do not systematically undermine nature’s ability to continue providing the natural resources and ecosystem services upon which all life depends.
“By protecting and preserving existing natural areas, their biodiversity and ecological functions,we will ensure a healthy ecosystem for the enjoyment of city residents, Protecting these natural areas can contribute to improving our social, economic, spiritual and physical health. and well being.”
I was among city residents who were pleased when council realized there was value in our natural resources besides digging them up or chopping them down. It came as a something of a surprise when council began promoting the latest mine proposal. And therein lies the dilemma. As a city, are we saying we’ll protect and preserve the natural areas within our boundaries, but we don’t care what happens in the Chilcotin? Are we saying it’s OK if we systematically undermine nature as long as it’s happening in someone else’s back yard? Nobody knows how the three wise men on the panel will decide. They have many points to ponder. My question is, if they reject the proposal, will the city (and Cariboo Regional District) lobby the federal government to let the mine proceed?
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