Opinion: More mining means more paycheques for British Columbians

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

But behind these numbers are people and families.

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.

And those benefits extend beyond mine workers and their families. More mining also means more business for local suppliers and more investment in communities.

There is enormous potential to create more jobs.

Our province has 31 critical mineral, precious metal and steelmaking coal projects in advanced stages of development or regulatory review representing nearly $50 billion in prospective investment.

But investment isn’t guaranteed. Investors want certainty: reliable access to minerals, skilled workers, affordable power, and modern infrastructure connected to global markets.

B.C. has these advantages, but must move faster and smarter to compete.

There is reason for optimism. Recent mine expansions and new projects signal confidence in our province. Newmont’s Red Chris Block Cave project in Northwest B.C. is a good example that demonstrates responsible resource development, strong First Nations partnerships and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

But there is more work to do. We can’t rest on our laurels with so much at stake.

At a time when families are struggling, creating more high-paying jobs is one of the most tangible ways to make life more affordable for British Columbians.

The next provincial government has an opportunity to turn B.C.’s mineral resources into more economic activity, global exports, government revenues and family-supporting paycheques.

With the right policies, mining can help build a stronger B.C. within a stronger Canada.

Anything less risks losing investment, jobs and the paycheques families depend on to other jurisdictions that are moving faster and competing harder than B.C.

Michael Goehring is president and CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia.