Message from the B.C. Resource Coalition President

MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT PAUL TIEFENSEE

It has been another great year at the BCRC. I couldn’t be prouder of what we have accomplished. Since our last publication we have achieved many milestones and continued to execute on our strategic plan.

In the late fall of 2021, we completed a strategic plan for the organization with a two-day summit of directors that resulted in an excellent path forward for the organization and helped guide us through decisions for the year. The plan resulted in the appointment of an Environmental Chair which is important to having balanced and educated conversations about B.C.’s natural resources.

We also presented to the City of Prince George about the importance of following the regulatory process during the assessment of natural resource projects. We were seeing pressure groups trying to circumvent the regulatory process and get projects shutdown before they could even be given a fair shake. Our presentation helped enlighten our local leaders and shine a new light on the positivity of new projects. We have strong reason to believe that changed the vote of a proposed project from a majority “No” vote to a tie which allowed the proponent an opportunity to provide additional information. This effort also established an important precedent for future projects in showing that Prince George is in fact “open for business”.

We carried this presentation forward in early 2022 with the Regional District of Fraser Fort George. The success of these presentations has led to a lineup of presentations to other municipalities and regional districts within B.C. in late 2022.

Another result of our strategic plan was to develop more relationships with First Nations organizations. As President, I have maintained a close relationship with the Lheidli T’enneh Chief and Council as well as other First Nations organizations and community leaders. I am a member of the Championships Table in which 15 First Nation community Chiefs, represented by The B.C. Assembly of First Nations, meet with 15 senior executive CEOs in business represented by the British Columbia Business Council to discuss procurement strategies, policies, and procedures with respect to UNDRIP and Truth and Reconciliation.

It is important for the BCRC to continue to actively work to engage First Nations communities and organizations. Without the inclusion of First Nations, our coalition cannot suggest it would even be relevant in today’s natural resource sector.

This year we also hired our first employee in 2022 in the position of Executive Director. Perry Cook has taken on this role to keep social media up to date and maintain outreach with our members. He has also been instrumental in hosting #Miningforbeer networking events. These sessions have proven to be a great networking success, and as a result there are several more planned across B.C. in the future. Keep following our social media for updates.

In closing, our Board of Directors and senior Executive have been working hard to keep the BCRC financially viable through raffles and grants. Please stay tuned for a chopper raffle we will be hosting to align with the holiday season. Most importantly, in terms of financial viability, I would like to thank you, our membership, for your continued support. We are confident that our organization continues to gain traction and is getting noticed for our ability to be great industry partners to add an incredible perspective on upcoming potential projects. As we look forward to what 2023 has to offer, we are motivated by your support and the engagement of others, to continue to develop opportunity within B.C.’s resource sector. As active participants in B.C.’s natural resource sectors, it is our responsibility to ensure B.C.’s natural resources industry remains relevant, sustainable, and responsible, preserving a vibrant future for our and future generations. p