Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, opened the first day of the B.C. Responsible Minerals and Metals Virtual Summit by highlighting the role that innovation will play in the future of responsible mining.

I want to take the time to celebrate the people working in B.C.’s mining sector, for their continued hard work, especially this year, during the COVID-19 pandemic. I applaud their efforts to work every day in a safe and sustainable way, to help build an economy that works for people.

British Columbia is leading the way in clean technology with companies developing clean energy projects funded through the Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) Fund.

Two northeast First Nations communities are receiving $1 million for clean energy projects as part of a funding partnership between the Province of British Columbia, Government of Canada and New Relationship Trust.

The Tsleil-Waututh Nation in North Vancouver is receiving $150,000 for solar photovoltaic installation as part of a clean energy funding partnership between the Province of British Columbia, Government of Canada and New Relationship Trust.

Four coastal First Nations communities are receiving $486,000 for clean energy projects as part of a funding partnership between the Province of British Columbia, Government of Canada and New Relationship Trust.

Six central First Nations communities are receiving $1.15 million for clean energy projects as part of a funding partnership between the Province of British Columbia, Government of Canada and New Relationship Trust.

B.C. drivers can look forward to more transparency and greater accountability when it comes to gasoline and diesel fuel prices.

In collaboration with the Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN), the Province has committed to spending up to $1.575 million for site preparation and studies to support early reclamation work at the Tulsequah Chief Mine site.