Williams Lake, B.C.- The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs strongly recommends the federal Cabinet  reject the Prosperity mine project now that the federal review panel's report has been completed. (See previous story)

 

In a release issued today, the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs warns that if the Federal cabinet approves the Prosperity mine despite the Federal Review panel’s recommendation that the application  be denied “It will force First Nations to consider litigation and/or any means to protect their territory." 

 

"The panel extensively reviewed the proposed project and concluded that the project would result in 'significant adverse environmental effects' on fish habitat, grizzly bears, navigation, First Nations traditional land use, First Nations cultural heritage and certain potential or established Aboriginal Rights or Title," says UBCIC President Grand Chief Stewart Phillip. "We remain confident the federal Cabinet will see the significant and irreversible impacts of this project and reject its development, as it did when it rejected Northgate Minerals' Kemess North mine expansion project in March 2008."

 

Taseko Mines Limited proposal is to develop an open-pit gold-copper mine 125 km southwest of Williams Lake. The plan would see Fish Lake destroyed and  a new man made lake built that would be home to less than one third of the trout population already in Fish Lake. 

 

Grand Chief Phillip adds that the Taseko Mines' proposal does not enjoy the environmental, economic and investment certainty it needs to proceed. "The federal Cabinet will have to consider its constitutional, fiduciary responsibilities and legal liabilities to the Tsilhqot'in Nation. It is unfathomable that the federal Cabinet would ignore their responsibilities and the dire warnings of the Federal Review Panel but if it did, the decision to approve would greatly increase the alarm, tension and mistrust in First Nation communities. The decision to approve would demonstrate that the federal environmental assessment process is fundamentally flawed and would confirm that once third party interests are granted unfettered access to our respective territories, governments will protect the interests of industry at the appalling cost of wilfully disgracing the honour of the Crown through the deliberate violation of our Title, Rights and Treaty Rights. It will force Firsts Nations to consider litigation and/or any means to protect their territory.”

 

The Prime Minister and Federal Cabinet have  until September 2nd to make a decison on the Prosperity Mine.