In the face of ongoing tariff threats from the United States, the British Columbia government said it is working to accelerate 18 critical mineral and energy projects worth roughly $20 billion, reported The Canadian Press.
Premier David Eby said that the government was expediting some projects to diversify the economy, assuming there would be “four years of continual on-and-off tariff threats” from the United States under the presidency of Donald Trump.
Trump’s threatened 25% tariffs on most Canadian exports have been put on hold until March 4.
Among the expedited list are four mining projects, which include the Eskay Creek gold and silver mine in the province’s north. There are also three energy security projects and 11 BC Hydro clean energy ventures that mostly involve wind power.
Jessica Clogg, executive director and senior counsel for West Coast Environmental Law, expressed concerns about the accelerated process and how it could exempt projects from environmental assessments and consultation with First Nations.
“In a time of threat and uncertainty, it is even more important for our governments to stand by our shared values — which include democratic decision-making, environmental sustainability and Indigenous human rights — and not to take short-sighted steps that may compromise long-term ecological and community resilience,” Clog said in an emailed statement.
On the other hand, Stewart Muir, CEO of Resource Works, said the list of expedited projects “will impress investors and one would think it’s intended to impress the public because it is a clear delivery of something that, in a very short time, was brought to the highest level of provincial government priority.”
“It’s only a small number of days ago since the real threat was recognized of Trump tariffs, and it’s galvanized what might be an unprecedented level of government or provincial government and industry collaboration,” he concluded.
Source: The Canadian Press