Opinion: More mining means more paycheques for British Columbians 

B.C. has or produces 22 of Canada's 34 critical minerals and is also Canada's leading producer of copper and steelmaking coal, its second-largest producer of silver, its only producer of molybdenum, and a substantial producer of gold, writes Michael Goehring. Photo by Mining Association of B.C. and Centerra Gold Inc.

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As British Columbians head to the polls, affordability is a top issue. Mining is a key part of the solution.

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The question voters face is how to tackle affordability. There are ways to do this: reduce the cost of things we must buy, primarily by lowering government taxes and fees, or create good-paying jobs so we can better afford them.

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Governments can do a lot about the cost of things. Where mining can help most is creating high-paying jobs and paycheques. Today, mining supports more than 56,000 jobs across the province, generating $5.4 billion in annual paycheques. If we set the right policy priorities and make the right choices, mining will deliver even more.

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And the opportunity goes well beyond the paycheques mining supports today.

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We live in uncertain times. Canada’s economic security and sovereignty are on the line. Around the world, global competition for minerals and mining investment is intensifying, and B.C. isn’t the only game in town.

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Our global allies are racing to secure responsibly sourced critical minerals, precious metals, and steelmaking coal essential for economic growth, new technologies and national security. Our province has these resources in abundance, providing an essential opportunity to create more jobs at home.

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In this election, mining matters more than ever. The next provincial government faces a clear choice: lead or fall behind. If B.C. is to succeed in attracting new mining investment to create more good jobs and prosperity, we must urgently accelerate permitting, invest in First Nations’ capacity, skills and workforce development, and continue to build electrical and transportation infrastructure.

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It will also require competitive taxes that attract investment, protect existing mining and refining operations, and bring skilled workers to the province.

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B.C.’s mining sector has what it takes and is ready to deliver.

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Our province has or produces 22 of Canada’s 34 critical minerals, including aluminum, germanium, zinc, and rare earths. B.C. is also Canada’s leading producer of copper and steelmaking coal, its second-largest producer of silver, its only producer of molybdenum, and a substantial producer of gold.

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Today, output from B.C.’s 18 operating mines and two world-class smelters represent 30 per cent of the province’s goods exports — destined primarily to the Asia Pacific — and $28 billion in annual economic output.

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But behind these numbers are people and families.

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The numbers matter, especially when households are struggling to make ends meet. More mining means more paycheques. The annual average salary in the B.C. mining sector today is $140,000 — one of the highest wages in Canada. That’s money for mortgage or rent payments, for groceries on the table, gas in the vehicle, and to get the kids through university or college with some left over for savings. It’s a paycheque that can change a family’s life — for generations.