Dick Harris on New Prosperity Rejection

Courtesy of Cariboo-Prince George MP Dick Harris:

In response to the rejection of The New Prosperity Mine proposal, Dick Harris, federal member of parliament for Cariboo-Prince George said, “The decision by the federal government to not allow The New Prosperity Gold-Copper Mine Project to move forward to the provincial permitting level, has shattered the hopes and dreams of thousands of people in the Cariboo-Chilcotin.

“Whether they live in the cities of 100 Mile House, Williams Lake, whether they live in the rural areas, or whether they live in First Nations communities, today, they have all seen the promise of skills training, long-lasting, good-paying jobs, and a much needed boost to their economies vanish, possibly never again to return.”

MP Harris explained, “We have all worked so very hard for a favourable outcome, myself since 2004, along with many others. I have been inspired by countless individuals, businesses, families and various levels of government who had dedicated themselves over the years to make The New Prosperity Mine a destination of hope—a destination that we all knew would have a significant, immediate, and long term positive impact, for countless individuals and families. In fact, in this economically weakened and vulnerable region, to support The New Prosperity Mine was a precise responsibility for the common good.

Despite how we all laboured for a more prosperous future, we failed.”

Unreservedly, MP Harris expressed his disappointment further by stating, “More than this, I consider this outcome a personal failure because I was elected to bring such successes on behalf of my constituents who put their faith in me to deliver.

In the end, I was unable to make my government see the tremendous opportunities that The New Prosperity Mine would bring to the Cariboo-Chilcotin.”

MP Harris concluded, “In the days ahead I will reflect on what more I could have done. But the regret will take its toll for much longer, especially when reflecting on how this decision will weigh so heavily upon our tomorrow, and for the people and future generations of the Cariboo-Chilcotin.”