WL Council receives TNG Delegation

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

At its December 5th regular Council meeting, Council was honoured to receive a delegation of more than 200 people attending to express their concern over the New Prosperity proposal, the largest delegation in Council Chambers in many years.

Williams Lake Indian Band Chief Ann Louie gave a welcome. Xeni Gwet’in Chief Marilyn Baptiste, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip from the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and Tl'etinqox Chief Joe Alphonse all addressed Council and voiced their opposition to the mine and to Council’s resolution supporting the mine. Council was also asked not to present to the public hearings that will eventually be scheduled by the federal panel reviewing the mine proposal.

Council’s resolution, passed Sept. 18, 2012, reads: That pursuant to the report of the Chief Administrative Officer dated August 10, 2012, Council confirm support for the New Prosperity mine development, provided that Provincial and Federal environmental standards are met and affected First Nations are adequately consulted; and further, that the Province of BC be requested to ensure all necessary Provincial approvals for the project are granted in a timely manner and the Cariboo Regional District & member municipalities be invited to make the same request of the Province and our MLAs and MP be so advised.

Following the presentation, Mayor Kerry Cook thanked the speakers and the entire delegation, and stated that developing strong, respectful working relationships with First Nations is a top priority of this Council.

“Council and the TNG will have to respectfully agree to disagree when it comes to New Prosperity,” says Mayor Kerry Cook. “Council stands by its resolution. We want a project that can provide much needed economic stimulus and jobs, and that meets environmental standards. We also want First nations and all potentially affected people to have their say and to be consulted.”

“We are grateful to have had such a passionate and engaged delegation Tuesday night, and to have had a respectful conversation during a dinner meeting in mid-November. We believe in open dialogue and in working together. Council will continue to develop strong relationships and partnerships with our First Nations neighbours and will always be open to discussion and debate on issues that affect us all", states Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook