The federal government’s rejection of the Prosperity mine project is another sad blow to the Cariboo-Chilcotin region. A region already hit hard by the devastation brought by the mountain pine beetle.
The average salary in the mining sector is more than $100,000 per year. Not only does mining generate more money for the province than the much talked about film industry, the direct jobs created by mining are typically created in rural parts of the province where they are needed the most.
This is particularly so for B.C.’s Aboriginal communities and Aboriginal youth who stand to benefit greatly from projects like Prosperity. I can’t even begin to imagine the positive social and economic impact the Prosperity mine could bring to the Cariboo-Chilcotin. What I can say is it would be immense. It’s a shame the federal government cannot see what is obvious to most British Columbians.
Michael Taylor
Coquitlam
