Image: File image of an open pit mine. / Straga / Dreamstime

By David Eby, Premier of British Columbia

OPINION

YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Prosperity through partnership and conservation

May 27, 2025 | 10:44 AM

The global economy is undergoing rapid and fundamental change.

Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine is accelerating Europe’s move away from Russian energy. President Trump’s trade wars have made countries reconsider their economic ties with the U.S., and China’s retaliatory export controls on rare earth minerals are a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in critical supply chains.

In this time of rapid change and disruption, there’s no place I’d rather be to meet these challenges than right here in British Columbia. Our province will be the economic engine of the new Canada that emerges from this global transition.

For over 180 years, mining has shaped our province. Its early chapters were often marked by labour conflict, environmental harm, and disregard for Indigenous rights. But we’ve made real progress. Today, communities in B.C.’s northwest — near the Alaska and Yukon borders — stand on the brink of a generational opportunity: to build lasting prosperity for our province and nation through true partnership with First Nations, while conserving the lands and waters we all depend on.

This region is rich in critical minerals and precious metals – the building blocks of modern life and the green technologies of tomorrow, from electric vehicles to wind turbines. As global demand for these minerals is projected to grow fivefold by 2040, B.C. has a vital role to play.

PLANE CRASH

2 taken to hospital after small plane crash in Chilliwack

2h ago

GAS STATION FIRE

Firefighters respond after motorhome blaze spreads to gas station near Chilliwack

4h ago

VEHICLE INCIDENT

First responders attend to crash on Lougheed Highway Saturday morning

7h ago

Dozens of proposed new mines and major expansions are already in advanced planning or exploration. If we seize this moment, we can unlock private investment that delivers long-term, family-supporting jobs across the province.

Mining is a powerful job multiplier. Each direct job in a B.C. mine or smelter supports at least two more in supply and service sectors, from Prince George to Port Alberni. A thriving supply chain sustains thousands of small- and medium-sized businesses, while project revenues help fund the priorities we all share — affordable housing, better health care, and stronger infrastructure.

Developing the northwest also opens doors to new investment in refining and technology that rely on these minerals. A key part of our vision is to process more resources here in B.C. — to add value, capture more jobs, and ensure that the benefits of our natural wealth stay close to home. Because these resources belong to all of us.

As we build this future, our values will guide us.

The northwest is home to some of Canada’s most rugged and wild landscapes — rich ecosystems and vital watersheds that must be protected for generations to come.

It’s part of what makes B.C. special.

Our province doesn’t see economic development and conservation as opposing forces. We know they go hand in hand.

First Nations in the northwest have already worked hard on conservation planning and identifying where responsible development can proceed more efficiently. I’ve listened to local leaders share a compelling and unified vision: protecting land, air, and water while creating good jobs and strong communities.

That’s why we’re working toward a new agreement — to provide clarity, speed, and certainty for responsible exploration and development. Endless delays help no one. A clear, collaborative framework will ensure projects move forward in a way that respects people, land, and law.

In the coming months, we’ll share more about our plan for an expedited process — one that balances economic opportunity with ecological responsibility, all in partnership with First Nations.

This is a true nation-building opportunity. And like any bold undertaking, it will require collaboration and compromise from all involved — from governments, industry, workers, and communities, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike. The outcome will be one we can all take pride in – one that will build, and lay a foundation for prosperity for generations to come.

I’ve never been more optimistic about the future we can build together. Ambition and resilience are in our DNA. British Columbians don’t back down when things get tough — we rise to the occasion. And today, we have the chance to rise again in the face of adversity — by seizing one of the most promising economic opportunities in our province’s history.

——

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of Fraser Valley Today or Pattison Media.