Close X
    Saturday, November 23, 2024
    ADVT 
    National

    First Nation considers legal options as B.C. approves mining permit 'without consent'

    Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 22 Nov, 2024 11:48 AM
    • First Nation considers legal options as B.C. approves mining permit 'without consent'

    The Xatśull First Nation says it is "disappointed" that British Columbia's Mines Ministry has granted an operating permit for the Cariboo Gold Mine without meeting its leadership or obtaining the nation's consent.

    The mine is on the nation's territory in central B.C. and it issued a statement earlier this month calling for the project to be halted until the nation had given its consent.

    The B.C. government announced Thursday that Barkerville Gold Mines, owned by Osisko Development Corp., was issued the permit for the underground mine in a process that took 13 months to complete.

    The ministry said it was the first project entirely assessed under the new Environmental Assessment Act, which was modernized to enhance public confidence, and was done in consultation with experts, the public and First Nations, including the Xatśull. 

    But the Xatśull nation says it did not consent, which showcases "troubling inconsistencies" with how B.C. deals with First Nations and "demonstrates a lack of commitment" to adhere to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

    The nation says it is considering all legal options and is calling on the newly appointed mines minister, Jagrup Brar, to "ask for clarification on the inconsistent application of UNDRIP across government, including his ministry."

    "Xatśull would like to see sustainable resource development in our territory, but it has to be done properly," it says in a news release. 

    "The government must honour its commitments and truly collaborate with Xatśull in a respectful and inclusive manner and in alignment with UNDRIP. That means immediately moving to consent-based decision-making with Xatśull in relation to major permits and authorization for mines in our territory."

    Prev Next

    MORE National ARTICLES

    B.C. port employers to launch lockout at terminals as labour disruption begins

    B.C. port employers to launch lockout at terminals as labour disruption begins
    Employers at British Columbia ports say they are going ahead with locking out more than 700 foremen across the province after strike activities from union members began. The BC Maritime Employers Association says the lockout will begin on the 4:30 p.m. shift and continue until further notice but will not affect grain or cruise operations.

    B.C. port employers to launch lockout at terminals as labour disruption begins

    The hallways look the same and where are the bathrooms, say B.C.'s newly elected MLAs

    The hallways look the same and where are the bathrooms, say B.C.'s newly elected MLAs
    A record number of first-time provincial politicians are about to descend on British Columbia's legislature, looking to make positive contributions for the province and trying to find the washrooms in the 127-year-old building. Fifty-seven new members from three parties, New Democrats, B.C. Conservatives and Greens, were elected to serve first terms in the 93-seat legislature in B.C. last month. 

    The hallways look the same and where are the bathrooms, say B.C.'s newly elected MLAs

    Poilievre asks premiers to axe their sales taxes on new homes worth under $1 million

    Poilievre asks premiers to axe their sales taxes on new homes worth under $1 million
    Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has written to the provinces' premiers, asking them to eliminate their sales taxes on new homes that are under $1 million. It follows Poilievre's own pledge last week that if he becomes prime minister, he will axe the federal sales tax on new homes sold for under $1 million.

    Poilievre asks premiers to axe their sales taxes on new homes worth under $1 million

    Trucking, construction expect 'labour crisis' with new temporary worker rules

    Trucking, construction expect 'labour crisis' with new temporary worker rules
    Dominique Lamothe said the trucking firm she works for will be in trouble once new rules for high-wage temporary foreign workers take effect on Friday. Groupe Nadeau, a Quebec-based trucking company, has a fleet of around 200 trucks and 1,400 trailers serviced by 70 full-time heavy mechanics. Human resources director Lamothe said half those mechanics are temporary foreign workers.

    Trucking, construction expect 'labour crisis' with new temporary worker rules

    B.C. port employers release details of final offer to foremen union ahead of lockout

    B.C. port employers release details of final offer to foremen union ahead of lockout
    The BC Maritime Employers Association has released the details of its final offer to the union representing more than 700 foremen ahead of a looming lockout on Monday. The offer, which is dated Wednesday and addressed to International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 514 President Frank Morena, was released publicly on Saturday. 

    B.C. port employers release details of final offer to foremen union ahead of lockout

    Environment Canada issues weather warnings for B.C. coast, mountain passes

    Environment Canada issues weather warnings for B.C. coast, mountain passes
    Environment Canada says strong winds and heavy rain are expected overnight and into Monday for British Columbia's south coast. The weather agency says lower amounts are expected elsewhere across the region. It says strong southeast winds are also expected overnight before becoming "very strong west to northwest winds" on Monday.

    Environment Canada issues weather warnings for B.C. coast, mountain passes

    PrevNext