Certainty for all:
Mining Consultation and Revenue Sharing Agreements Signed
2009
“One thing you’re getting here, Mr. Minister, is certainty,” Chief Shane Gottfriedson assured the Honorable Gordon Hogg, Minister of State for Mining during a speech given at the signing ceremony for a Mining and Minerals Agreement between the Province and Stk’emlupsemc of the Secwepemc Nation (SSN).
The agreement will assist in building capacity for participation in, and benefit from future mining activities within the Stk’emlupsemc territory represented by the Skeetchestn Indian Band and Tk’emlups Indian Band.
“For many years, the Tk’emlups and the Skeetchestn Indian Bands have demonstrated great leadership and vision in their negotiations with Government and industry,” said Minister Hogg. “The agreement will help us gain a better understanding of each other’s interests and create greater certainty for all.”
Certainty was a big priority for all parties involved in the signing of this agreement.
“This is about our people. This is about our future. Real jobs create certainty for real people,” emphasizes Chief Gottfriedson.
As outlined by the agreement, timelines will be clearly defined, guidelines will be carefully constructed and meetings will be held faithfully in order to increase clarity in the consultation process.
But, we all know it takes two, or in this case three, to tango.
Chief Gottfriedson admits, “Signing this agreement is one thing, but making sure this agreement is successful is the real challenge.”
A challenge it might be, but it appears that the Province and the Stk’emlupsemc are taking the bull by the horns with the announcement that the Ministry and the SSN have begun negotiations for revenue sharing for the New Afton Mine copper/silver/gold project.
The new major mine projects, which are due to open in 2012, are predicted to create a total of 200 jobs over twelve years, and will cost a reported $643 million in construction alone.
For more information please contact our communications coordinator:
Billie Sasakamoose
T: (250) 828-9732
F: (250) 374-6331
Email Billie Sasakamoose
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