Four major British Columbia mining associations have launched a pro-industry website engendering public participation with provincial elections in one of Canada’s most mining-heavy regions.
The Mining Association of British Columbia, the Mining Suppliers Association of British Columbia, the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia and the Coal Association of Canada have launched “Vote Mining” as 2013’s mid-May elections approach.
Through the campaign website www.votemining.ca, the coalition encourages citizens to ask candidates to support a strong and vibrant exploration, mining and mineral processing industry in Western Canada. Votemining.ca facilitates voter support through features like its “Take Action” tool wherein users can directly email candidates in their polling district. Votemining.ca also contains industry fact sheets, a resource “toolkit” and information on debates.
Mining supports jobs and communities province wide. In addition, British Columbia has 21 major mines and more than 30 industrial mineral producers, two smelters and more than 350 exploration projects. The province is also home to more than 900 companies providing supplies and services to mining operations; in 2010, its mining industry supported more than 37,000 well-paid direct and indirect jobs. In 2011, it provided $9.9 billion for the economy and $805 million to support social programs, including education and health care. www.votemining.ca
