In response to the findings and recommendations of the Chief Inspector of Mines’ (CIM) investigation into the tailings storage facility (TSF) at Mount Polley Mine in August 2014, Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett announced that government will introduce new regulations and requirements that will make British Columbia a national and international leader in safety standards for tailings storage facilities. 

When the holiday season rolls around, it’s easy to forget that without B.C. resources such as wood products and minerals, many of the gifts you see would not be sitting under your Christmas tree.

To ensure key sectors in the BC Jobs Plan continue to have the clean, renewable electricity they need to prosper and grow BC Hydro is investing, on average, $2.4 billion per year to expand, upgrade and maintain the province’s electric generation, transmission and distribution system.

British Columbia has become the 14th jurisdiction to sign on to the International Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Alliance.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by Premier Christy Clark and State of Alaska Governor Bill Walker strengthens cross-border partnerships between British Columbia and Alaska.

BC Hydro has selected Peace River Hydro Partners as the preferred proponent for the Site C main civil works contract.

The provincial government is providing $435,000 to Carbon Engineering Ltd. to support an engineering study that will assess the potential and feasibility of using carbon dioxide (CO₂) “scrubbed” out of the air at its direct-air capture demonstration plant in Squamish to produce synthetic diesel or gasoline fuel.

Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett is travelling to Alaska next week, where he will meet with state officials, Alaska Natives and representatives from other interests including commercial fishing, tourism and environmental groups to strengthen relationships and discuss ways B.C. and Alaska can work together to ensure the protection, conservation and enhancement of the shared environment.

With all necessary federal approvals, a provincial environmental assessment certificate and Mines Act permit now in place, construction of the new Brucejack mine is expected to get underway in 2015.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Works (IBEW) and the board of BC Hydro have ratified an agreement negotiated under the Economic Stability Mandate.