The new Major Projects BC website, launched Oct. 6, 2011, supports 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan' by providing information on major resource development projects.

The Major Projects BC website provides co-ordinated information for the application and permitting process on major natural resource projects across B.C. This new website makes it easier for investors to apply for the necessary permits, easier for government to make informed decisions and easier for businesses to create jobs.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations' Major Project teams run the website and will also provide:

• Information on current projects through the Major Projects BC website.
• Guidance in the pre-application stage.
• Integrated co-ordination of the regulatory requirements for major projects.

Quick Facts:

• Major resource development projects generate billions of dollars in investment, employment and revenue.
• Major projects can represent a range of investment - from $50,000 to several billion dollars - the key is the significance of the project to the local community. A smaller project in a small community can generate large economic benefits.
• A major project, such as a mine, can create hundreds of jobs throughout its lifecycle.
• The majority of B.C. communities depend on the natural resource sectors for jobs.
• The authorizations for the Mount Milligan Mine north of Prince George were processed as a pilot using the co-ordinated major projects model. By bundling authorizations, ministry staff were able to have a single consultation timeframe of 120 days instead of the usual 320 days.
• Currently more than 200 major projects are underway in B.C.

Learn More:

Major Projects BC: www.for.gov.bc.ca/major_projects

The BC Jobs Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca

Contact:

Cheekwan Ho
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261