The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) voted September 19 to call on the provincial government to work with First Nations, municipalities, industry and citizens to modernize British Columbia's "free entry" mining laws.
The UBCM said that current "gold rush era" rules have given mining activity priority over all other land uses and have led to conflict throughout the province.
"With mineral exploration permits issued at two sites within kilometres of our town, we have learned first hand how B.C.'s 'free entry' mining laws are a root cause of unnecessary conflicts around the province," said Tofino mayor Josie Osborne, who brought forward the resolution.
"It's time to modernize B.C.'s outdated Mineral Tenure Act in a way that ensures the full range of interests – including social, cultural, ecological and economic – are given fair consideration on B.C.'s land base.
"That was the thrust of our resolution."
The West Coast Environmental Law Association and the Fair Mining Collaborative released a collaborative report September 19 that outlines a variety of people and places in the province that have been negatively impacted by the current laws. The report also presents research about best practices from other jurisdictions.
The full report can be read here.
