Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review, announced today that the Province has tabled amendments to the Mines Act, to ensure there is more time available, if required, to conduct thorough investigations into offences under the act and for a decision by Crown counsel on whether to pursue charges.

The amendment aligns the time limit for pursuing charges under the Mines Act with other natural resource legislation, such as the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Environmental Management Act.

Currently, under the Mines Act, the Province has six months to one year to pursue charges for offences committed under the act, depending on the nature of the offence. The amendment will increase this limit to three years from when the chief inspector of mines first learns of the incident.

The amendments to the act will come into effect retrospectively, as of Aug. 1, 2014, and will apply to all ongoing investigations, including the investigation into the tailings storage facility breach at Mount Polley.

Government is determined to get to the bottom of what happened at Mount Polley and is taking all steps necessary to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigations as well as the ability to prosecute.

Quotes:

Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Core Review -

“We don’t want to be in a position where time limits prevent investigators and Crown Counsel from doing their jobs. These amendments will ensure there is more time available, if required, for a thorough investigation and for a decision on whether to pursue charges for offences under the Mines Act.”

Media Contacts:

Jake Jacobs
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy and Mines and Responsible for Core Review
250 952-0628