SURREY,
BC, July 15, 2024 /CNW/ - Today, the
Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural
Resources, with the Honourable Josie Osborne, B.C.'s Minister
of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation and the Honourable Rob
Fleming, B.C.'s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure,
announced a joint investment of $195
million to upgrade key highway infrastructure in B.C.'s
northwest needed to support critical minerals development in the
region, improve community access and safety, and create good mining
jobs across the province.
Supported by collaboration between governments and funded
through the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund, a flagship
program under the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy, this project
has been conditionally approved to support the development and
operation of several copper, molybdenum, zinc, nickel and cobalt
projects in B.C.'s Golden Triangle region. The federal contribution
totals up to $75 million with the
remaining $120 million being funded
by B.C.'s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
The Northwest BC Highway Corridor Improvements Project is a key
action of B.C.'s Critical Minerals Strategy, a top priority for the
Tahltan Central Government and the mining industry in B.C. and a
shared priority of the federal government. It will provide a series
of improvements for Highways 37, 37A and 51, which include widening
shoulders, creating pullouts for slow-moving vehicles, adding chain
up/chain off areas and increasing Wi-Fi access along 800 kilometres
of roadway. These upgrades are crucial to allow increased
industrial traffic linked to mining activity and will generate
well-defined, long-term benefits for First Nations and local
communities in the region, including enhanced safety, reliability
and accessibility of essential services.
Improvements to these highways are integral to advancing
critical minerals development in B.C.'s northwest, in consultation
with First Nations. The area served by these infrastructure
improvements has been called the "Golden Triangle" for its mineral
potential, holding approximately 75 percent of Canada's known copper reserves. Expanded and
improved highways have the potential to create up to an estimated
3,000 jobs, $20 billion in capital
investments and over $450 million in
annual mineral taxes, as well as substantial local First Nations
revenue-sharing and economic opportunities for First Nations.
In addition to the regional benefits, it is estimated that each
direct job at a new mine in B.C. creates at least two jobs in
mining supply and service companies located throughout the
province. A recent report by the Mining Association of B.C. found
that Metro Vancouver alone has 1,125 companies supplying goods and
services to the mining sector and received economic benefits of
$1.4 billion in 2022. This includes
Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Ltd. in Surrey, B.C., which hosted today's
announcement and has provided equipment in the northwest region of
the province for Newmont Corporation's Brucejack Mine.
Critical minerals are essential components in products used for
clean energy like electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines,
electrical transmission lines and batteries. B.C.'s mining sector
provides many of the building blocks of clean technologies that the
province and the world need to fight climate change and build a
clean economy. Across the country, clean energy solutions are
providing enormous economic opportunity for Canada.
Today's joint investments in B.C.'s northwest is one outcome of
the increased collaboration toward shared priorities at the B.C.
Regional Energy and Resource Table. Minister Wilkinson and Minister
Osborne, in collaboration with First Nations partners, also
today released the Regional Energy and Resource Table – One-Year
Progress Report. The report highlights key progress made since the
partners developed the first collaboration framework of its kind in
the country last June.
The report highlights tangible progress in all six areas of
opportunity, as well as ongoing work on many of the 43 action
items, including:
- identifying options to enable First Nations equity
participation in the North Coast Transmission Line Project, in
partnership with BC Hydro and the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
- working with partners and key stakeholders to advance a call
for expressions of interest from proponents, with First Nations
partners, for projects in priority sectors (e.g., critical
minerals, hydrogen, electrification) to pilot regulatory and
permitting efficiencies. This is in line with the Ministerial
Working Group on Regulatory Efficiency for Clean Growth Projects'
recently released Building Canada's Clean Future an action plan to
modernize federal assessment and permitting processes.
- enhancing information sharing and collaboration on project
priorities in key sectors – projects such as the Northwest BC
Highway Corridor Improvement Project announced today.
- continuing to invest in Indigenous capacity to meaningfully
participate in this process through renewed agreements with the
First Nations Energy and Mining Council (FNEMC) and the First
Nations Forestry Council (FNFC) for a combined total of
$550,000 this fiscal year.
Quotes
"Developing Canada's abundant
critical minerals creates incredible economic opportunity and good
jobs. When we work together on our shared priorities and come
together at the regional energy and resource tables, we can drive
the progress needed at the pace and scale necessary to seize the
benefits the clean economy presents for First Nations, British
Columbians and all Canadians. That is what today's investment in
road infrastructure is about."
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
"B.C. has the critical minerals the world needs to build a clean
economy. We are seizing the generational opportunity before us to
create jobs, not only in northwest B.C., but also in communities
across the province that supply and provide services to our mining
sector. Working with Tahltan and Canada, these significant investments into
Highways 37 and 51 will provide safer roads for workers and
residents alike, in Tahltan, Nsiga'a and Gitanyow territories, and
better services for people and communities in the region."
The Honourable Josie Osborne,
B.C. Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation
"The Northwest BC Highway Corridor Improvements Project will
benefit a critical mineral region and First Nations partners. It
will also improve transportation safety, reliability and access to
essential services, and reinforce our government's commitment to a
net-zero future."
The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez,
Minister of Transportation
"One of the six priority areas in the Regional Energy and
Resource Table is critical minerals. We now have three
critical minerals strategies: by Canada, B.C., and First Nations and this year
we seek to align the three strategies to ensure the rights and
title interests of First Nations in B.C. are respected based upon
the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous
Peoples."
Robert Phillips, Political
Executive
First Nations Summit
"UBCIC continues to reaffirm its unwavering support for the work
of First Nations across B.C. who have been working through the
First Nations Energy and Mining Council (FNEMC) and the First
Nations Forestry Council (FNFC) along with the Government of
Canada and Province of B.C. in our
continued efforts working toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The B.C Regional Energy and Resource Table report highlights our
progress. The critical minerals industry is vital as we battle the
ever-accelerating climate crisis and transition away from fossil
fuels. As always, First Nations need to be full partners in this
work."
Chief Don Tom,
Vice-President
Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC)
"Mining is a part of our culture and economy. For thousands of
years, Tahltans prospected, mined and traded obsidian. While we
recognize the need for critical minerals for a low-carbon future,
this can only happen with the free, prior and informed consent of
Indigenous Peoples; therefore, the pace and scale of mining in our
Territory will be determined by the Tahltan Nation. Today's
announcement regarding safer highways for our people is welcomed by
the Tahltan Nation."
Beverley Slater,
President Tahltan National Government
"The Tahltan-Mining Industry Working Group, made up of leaders
from the Tahltan Nation and select mining companies operating in
Tahltan Territory (Galore Creek, Newmont, Seabridge, Skeena
Resources), have been advocating for upgrades to arterial routes in
Tahltan Territory to ensure the safe travel of community and
commercial road users. Today's landmark announcement is a testament
to the leadership of the Tahltan Nation and demonstrates the
incredible outcomes that occur when Indigenous People and industry
work together toward a shared vision for the future."
Tahltan-Mining Industry Working Group
"We know the northern region through its highways, ports and
rail networks plays a vital role in B.C.'s and Canada's economy – including the movement of
critical minerals and resources. It's crucial we improve access and
upgrade our highway infrastructure in this area so people can
continue to count on this industry and the jobs it creates."
The Honourable Rob Fleming
B.C. Minister of
Transportation and Infrastructure
"Highway infrastructure improvements in Tahltan Territory and
the Golden Triangle will advance the development of B.C.'s critical
minerals potential by facilitating investment in this vitally
important B.C. mining region. Planned improvements will enable safe
goods and services movement and industry growth which, in turn,
will create jobs and contract opportunities through B.C. including
urban centres like Surrey and
Vancouver where $1.4 billion in goods and services were purchased
by the mining industry from 1,125 companies in 2022. Critical
minerals offer a generational opportunity to build prosperity for
all British Columbians."
Michael
Goehring
President & CEO, Mining Association
of B.C.
"This new funding is welcome news as it will go a long way in
improving key highways in northwestern British Columbia. It is a big win for ensuring
the safety of road users from local communities and for the nearly
three thousand workers at Newmont's Brucejack and Red Chris mines."
Bernard
Wessels
Managing Director, North America, Newmont
"In 2022 alone, close to 4,000 businesses located in 200
municipalities, towns and First Nations communities benefited from
$3.7 billion in spending from B.C.'s
operating mines and smelters. This strategic investment will
support the development of new critical mineral mines in northwest
B.C. The benefits of developing those mines will absolutely be
shared province-wide, as mining supplies and services companies
from communities across B.C. support their construction and
long-term operation."
Alec
Morrison
President & CEO, Mining Suppliers
Association of BC
"This funding is an investment in B.C. in the truest form. It
helps provide stability and confidence for those who invest in
mining in the province – through which there are long-term benefits
for First Nations and local communities in the region. The
investment offers safer and more reliable access, which will help
support projects moving forward and assist us and the many others
who depend on the industry for our livelihoods."
Chuck
Walls,
President, Industrial Equipment
Manufacturers Ltd.
"These are much needed improvements to ensure safety and
connectivity along our highways 37 and 37-A. Transportation
safeguards in highly sensitive ecological and cultural corridors
are essential to balance industrial development and Indigenous land
stewardship."
Tara Marsden, Wilp
Sustainability Director,
Gitanyow Hereditary
Chiefs
"Investment into the Northwest Region has a direct correlation
to the good work being carried out by Nations to ensure that
regional economic stability is great for all Canadians. We see the
importance of the critical minerals investments like this
supporting safer access to industry and long-term economic growth
of our people. Moreover, it provides for safe journeys for the
Nisga'a Nation, our neighboring nations and guests to our
respective territories."
Eva
Clayton
President, Nisga'a Nation.
"Galore Creek is excited to see this important investment into
northwest B.C. The funding will be used to make improvements to
highways that provide a critical link for both the resource sector
and for Indigenous and other local communities. This investment
shows Canada's and B.C.'s
commitment to reconciliation and critical mineral development by
ensuring the safe flow of goods and people in the region."
Rob Mean, General
Manager
Galore Creek Mining Corporation
"These upgrades impact roads that traverse the northern half of
our province and are the only route for many communities. Better
roads will encourage economic investment of all kinds in the
region, including supplying critical minerals to global
markets. Most importantly, better roads mean safer travel for
northern residents who regularly travel long distances for basic
services and supplies."
Justin Himmelright, Senior
Vice President, External Affairs
Skeena Resources
"We welcome today's federal and provincial infrastructure
investment in northwest British
Columbia as a pivotal moment for our critical minerals
industry. This funding underscores the importance of mineral
exploration in the region, supporting economic growth,
environmental stewardship and collaboration with Indigenous
communities. Investments like this assist in unlocking the mineral
potential of this resource-rich province."
Keerit Jutla, President and CEO,
Association of
Mineral Exploration
"We're extremely pleased to see this joint investment in the
northwest. Industry projects are a great benefit to our area and
the province, but it's critical that the infrastructure supporting
them is safe for our communities. We look forward to greater safety
and more job opportunities in this important corridor for the
benefit of all B.C."
Cyra Yunkws, Chair of the
Board of Directors
Regional District of
Kitimat-Stikine
"Arrow Transportation has been hauling on Highway 37 since the
1970s, and the B.C. Government's investment in improvements to this
vital route is crucial for the safety of our operations and the
well-being of our professional truck drivers. This investment not
only enhances the security of our hauling activities but also plays
a significant role in continuing the economic development of
northwest B.C. Moreover, these improvements benefit our valued
joint venture partners, the Tahltan Nation and the Nisga'a Nation,
by enhancing safety and economic resilience in the region. We are
extremely proud to work alongside these Nations and support
initiatives that contribute to their prosperity and the overall
growth of this region."
Tim Bell
Executive
Vice President of the Arrow Group
Quick facts
- Canada has developed its own
critical minerals strategy with the aim of advancing the
development of these resources and related value chains to drive
the transition to a low-carbon economy and support advanced
technology and manufacturing.
- The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy addresses five core
objectives:
- supporting economic growth, competitiveness and job
creation;
- promoting climate action and strong environmental
management;
- enhancing global security and partnerships with allies;
- advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples; and
- fostering diverse and inclusive workforces and
communities.
- Canada's whole-of-government
approach to critical mineral development is collaborative,
forward-looking, iterative, adaptive and long-term. The initiatives
presented in the Strategy will be implemented and refined in
collaboration with provincial, territorial, Indigenous, industry
and other Canadian and international partners.
- The Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund is a key program
under the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy to support enabling
clean energy and transportation infrastructure projects necessary
to increase Canada's supply of
responsibly sourced critical minerals.
- The Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund supports strategic
priorities such as decarbonizing industrial mining operations,
strengthening supply chains through transportation infrastructure
and advancing economic reconciliation by supporting the
participation of Indigenous Peoples in infrastructure and critical
minerals projects.
- The Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships Program aims to
increase the economic participation of Indigenous communities and
organizations in the development of natural resource projects that
support the transition to a clean energy future.
- The B.C. Critical Minerals Strategy lays the foundations for
strong partnerships between First Nations, government and industry
that will encourage investment and sustainable economic growth that
advances climate action.
- B.C.'s mining sector currently employs more than 35,000 workers
in rural and urban communities. The sector also contributes
$7.3 billion to provincial gross
domestic product (GDP), produces 28 percent of export value and
approximately $1 billion in
provincial government revenue to support services.
- B.C. is rich with raw minerals, having 16 of the 31 identified
critical minerals in the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy. B.C.
is Canada's largest producer of
copper and only producer of molybdenum.
- Work on infrastructure improvements will begin in 2024 and are
targeted to be completed by the end of 2030.
- The First Nations Energy and Mining Council's (FNEMC) B.C.
First Nations Critical Mineral Strategy, released in
March 2024, encourages the
development of inclusive critical minerals strategies to inform and
amplify First Nations voices across British Columbia. The strategy discusses the
importance of sharing the benefits generated from critical minerals
with First Nations and upholding the principles of the UN
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and
Reconciliation Calls to Action.
- The Regional Energy and Resource Tables were launched in
June 2022, with B.C.,
Manitoba, and Newfoundland and Labrador. In
October 2022, Ontario, New
Brunswick, Nova Scotia,
Prince Edward Island, the
Northwest Territories and
Yukon also joined the initiative.
Nunavut joined in May 2024.
A total of 10 provinces and territories are now participating in
the Regional Tables.
Related Information
- The Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy
- Government of Canada Launches $1.5-Billion Critical Minerals Infrastructure
Fund
- Programs and funding for critical minerals projects
- Regional Energy and Resource Tables
- Regional Tables Launched to Collaboratively Drive Economic
Opportunities in a Prosperous Net-Zero Future
- British Columbia Regional Energy and Resource Table
Collaboration Framework on the Path to Net Zero
- British Columbia Regional Energy and Resource Table – One-Year
Progress Report
- British Columbia Regional Energy and Resource Table – One-Year
Progress Report Summary
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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada