Agreements Sign of Stability

Thursday, August 26, 2010 03:58 AM

Prince George, B.C. – The recent signing of two royalty tax revenue sharing agreements between the Province and two First Nations in B.C. is expected to have more than financial benefits for the First Nations involved.

Minister of State for Mining, Randy Hawes says he hopes the agreements will send out a couple of messages. “I think it sends a message to investors that we (the Province) are able to work with the Aboriginal community. “ Hawes adds the agreements also send a signal to other First Nations that the Province is willing to work out agreements rather than go to court and fight it out.

That is a reference to the situation with the Nak’azdli band which launched court action saying there had been no government to government consultation about the Mt Milligan mine.

Hawes says the Province would be willing to enter into a similar revenue sharing agreement with the Nak’azdli if they would like to negotiate “The door has always been open for negotiations” says Hawes.

“I think this sends a strong message to First Nations that we are willing to help them build a strong economic base” adds Hawes, “ For too many generations First Nations have not befitted from the resources in this Province. Hopefully, agreements like this will bring them up to the economic parity they should have always enjoyed.”

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Posted on Thursday, August 26, 2010 03:58 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: DPJ on August 26 2010 9:24 AM

If they work for the money, they deserve it. Other than that, forget it. Unless its on their land, then they should get royalties out of the mine.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on August 26 2010 10:36 AM

Simply handing out buckets of money solves nothing.
It rarely ever gets to where it is needed the most.
These agreements are not just about stability,they are as much about wise leadership.
Some bands have it and some don't.
Those that don't are bound to figure that out eventually,when they see other bands are doing better than they are.
The people need to take real good look at their leadership.
Confrontation is a no winner in these tough times.
You negotiate in good faith,or you will miss the gravy train.
Seems the government is not quite as tolerant as it used to be, since the money tightened up in these tough economic times.
There is only so much to go around,and eventually,it WILL run out.
Fact of the matter is,there is less than there used to be.
Get it while you can...it may not always be there,and like it or not,the needs of the majority will aways win in the end,as opposed to wants of a self-serving few.