| MLA Rustad Challenges NDP on Mining Projects
March 5, 2010 MLA Rustad Challenges NDP on Mining Projects VICTORIA- The NDP Opposition refuses to commit to job creation and rural development through mining projects. In a debate this week at the BC Legislature, Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad challenged NDP mining critic John Horgan to provide any examples of current or potential mining projects that the NDP endorse. “When you think about what's happening in Terrace and in Kitimat, the potential in the Stikine riding, the potential down in the Kootenays and through the Cariboo — all of those areas that are so dependent upon our resources, I would like to hear…. perhaps the opposition would want to suggest a few projects that can really make a difference,” asked Rustad in the Legislature. Horgan avoided the question and refused to acknowledge any mining projects, even just one, that were positive for British Columbia and, in particular, for rural regions that are looking to the mining sector to lead economic renewal in resource-based communities. “Not a mention of a single project that they'd like to actually see happen. All they talked about was trying to increase some sort of process, regulatory or otherwise bureaucratic process to slow down the process,” responded Rustad. “Horgan is the NDP’s lead spokesperson on mining, but every time I ask him to list the mining projects that the NDP support, this so-called spokesperson becomes mute,” says Rustad. “That pretty much sums up the NDP on mining, silent and obstructive.” “The NDP claim they care about working families in rural communities, but in reality, they refuse to do anything that will actually help people in need of new jobs, new opportunities, and new projects that are crucial to the revitalization of rural B.C.”, concludes Rustad. Visit John’s website at www.johnrustadmla.bc.ca -30- |
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