Natural resource development in northern B.C., and how projects are evaluated, are expected to continue to be front and centre under the new federal political environment with the Conservatives securing their first majority and the NDP forming the official opposition for the first time ever in Canada.
With a majority, the Conservatives will not need to temper their initiatives to pass muster in Parliament, although Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said he will govern for all Canadians.
Economic development will continue to be a priority for the Conservatives, but with an NDP opposition it is possible that the political discourse could become more aggressive, UNBC political scientist Jason Morris said Tuesday, the day after the historic election.
"With an NDP official opposition, the fireworks and fisticuffs in Parliament could be even more vituperous because it's going to be much more polarized in terms of political debate when it comes to matters of environmental stewardship," noted Morris.
There are tens of billions of dollars of prospective development slated for northern B.C., including the controversial $5.5-billion Enbridge Northern Gateway oil pipeline and numerous mining projects.
Cariboo-Prince George Conservative MP Dick Harris has said his two priorities will be to see the Prince George Airport reach its potential as a major air cargo hub, and to see Taseko's revamped $800-million Prosperity copper mine make it through an environmental assessment and resolve First Nations' issues with the project.
Harris was one of the only candidates in Cariboo-Prince George, and in fact, northern B.C., to say he was supportive of the Enbridge pipeline project, particularly the economic benefits it will provide.
Harris said Monday evening following his seventh election victory he was supportive of streamlining the environmental regulatory process, perhaps even with a one-window process in B.C., but he was uncertain of the state of discussions at the federal level.
"That would be a boon for our natural resource development and things that had to do with the environment," said Harris, in his 18th year as an MP.
Skeena-Bulkley Valley NDP MP Nathan Cullen, a vocal opponent of the Enbridge pipeline project, cautioned the Conservatives, even with their majority, of pushing through development. "To think they'll be able to dismiss environmental concerns or ram things down our throats, we're a lot more organized than the Liberals," said Cullen.
Cullen noted, however, he is supportive of many projects, including the $900-million Mount Milligan gold and copper mine under construction, the $404-million Northwest Transmission Line and Alcan's $300-million rebuild.
If Harper wants to take a bold move, he should focus on First Nation land and title right, providing more clarity, said Cullen.
First Nations concerns have been an element in blocking some natural resource projects, including the Prosperity mine.
The political landscape change in Canada also includes the first Green Party winner, leader Elizabeth May in Saanich-Gulf Islands.
She said she is worried that Harper will use his majority to permit oil tankers to travel the West Coast, start oil drilling in coastal waters and allow the development of the Enbridge pipeline to the B.C. north coast.
Colin Kinsley, a former-Prince George mayor who works for Enbridge, said he welcomed the Conservative majority as it will provide a stable government. "We can not just close the door to accessing Asia with our natural resources, and that includes oil in my view," said Kinsley, who had run unsuccessfully for the Prince George-Peace River Conservative nomination.
