News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

Cariboo North MLA Bob Simpson continues to refuse support for the Taseko Prosperity Mine project, while Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett is fighting for the economic growth and hundreds of high paying jobs the project will deliver. 

“The NDP claim they support our rural communities and hard-working British Columbians, but their actions in Victoria clearly suggest otherwise,” says Barnett. “I have had it with the NDP and their obstructionist approach to mining projects in the Cariboo. Enough is enough. You either support the mine or you don’t.” 

Yesterday in the B.C. Legislature, Simpson attacked the “one project ,one process” proposal of the provincial government that would allow the federal government to recognize B.C.’s environmental assessment process with its legislated timelines, and not embark on a second duplicate federal review.  

Simpson argued that the Prosperity Mine should not proceed until all “territorial rights of First Nations” are resolved, in effect saying First Nations should have a veto. “Once again, this project will not proceed without the First Nations addressing their issues,” threatened Simpson. “One project, one process doesn't do it.” 

Of note, both the provincial and federal consultation processes already invite input from all stakeholders, including First Nations. To date, the provincial process has never lost a legal challenge on the matter. Simpson’s comments continue the NDP’s refusal to offer support for the Prosperity Mine project. 

Barnett, meanwhile, is standing firm in her defense of the more efficient certification process and reiterated her support for the Prosperity Mine project. “People throughout the Cariboo are facing some real challenges and they are looking for real solutions,” says Barnett. “Prosperity Mine is the single biggest project to strengthen our economy, improve our lives and create meaningful jobs.” 

“It has approvals based on strict environmental regulations and it is time we move forward,” concludes Barnett. “Bob Simpson and the NDP aren’t helping anyone.” 

The total capital cost of the project is approximately $800 million and  annual operating costs are expected to be $200 million. The project is expected to directly result in an average of 375 jobs during both the two-year construction period and the 20-year operational life of the project and 325 person years of indirect employment annually over the life of the proposed project.

Donna Barnett
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA

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