still one outdoor market PAGE A3
local elder remembers pan PAGE A16
ROOS’ SEASON OPENER PAGE A23
OBSERVER QUESNEL - CARIBOO
SINCE 1908
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
VOL. 100 NO. 11
www.quesnelobserver.com
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RCMP explode dynamite at dump Shortly before 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7, Quesnel RCMP received a report that a small quantity of dynamite was located in the city landfill located at 840 Carson Pit Road. The area was secured and the RCMP’s Explosive Disposal Unit was called in from the Lower Mainland to assist. Members of the RCMP’s Explosive Disposal Unit attended the area and located several sticks of dynamite in good condition. At approximately 9:30 p.m. the same day, the RCMP’s Explosive Device Unit rendered the explosives safe by use of high explosive. The sound generated by the explosion was heard out to the Barkerville Highway and south of Quesnel. The RCMP would like to remind the public that if anyone encounters suspected explosive material, they should leave it in place, remain at a safe distance and report it to the RCMP immediately.
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Circle of tots Breastfeeding mothers and their children celebrated the beginning of World Breastfeeding Week with the Quintessence Breastfeeding Challenge at CDC on Saturday. For more photos and information see PAGE A14. Annie Gallant photo
Fraser Institute weighs in on mining investment AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter The Fraser Institute has released a comprehensive report on how the province could increase mining investment. British Columbia ranks third in the Canadian mineral market, just after Ontario and Quebec – generating an estimated production value of $8.3 billion in 2012. The mining sector employs more than 29,000 people, while tax revenues generated from mineral production topped $400 million in 2012. “While the viability of this sector is cyclical and subject to global factors
including commodity prices, market demand and relative mineral potential, policy factors can also be a key determinant in attracting globally mobile mineral investment,” the report reads. The study then works to identify four “key” policy changes in which it feels could improve the attractiveness of British Columbia’s mining sector. Labelling them “investment barriers,” the report first points to uncertainty over disputed land claims. It then identifies several recommendations to reduce uncertainty. Solutions included the province continuing to settle land and resource
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ownership through an expedited BC Treaty process. Investment barrier two points to “uncertainty over which areas to protect.” The study points to several key areas in which could provide improvement, including: committing to the two-zone land use system and avoiding arbitrary changes to reduce miners’ trust and investors’ confidence and where exploration is necessary, fair market-based compensation should be provided in a timely and “transparent” manner. Investment barrier three looked to environmental regulation uncertainty. Solutions included: continued efforts to stream-
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line the mine permitting process and making it more predictable and timely, all while protecting health, safety and environment. “Early and meaningful consultation with industry stakeholders should occur prior to the adoption of new processes and restrictions,” the report states. The final “investment barrier” identified was regulatory duplication and inconsistencies. Recommendations to reduce the “key” deterrent included: Canada Revenue Agency providing greater clarity and consistent application of expenses eligible for Canadian exploration expenses; and both provincial and federal governments
moving towards a gradual elimination of distortionary tax incentives in favour of a single, lower-rate corporate income tax. “The mining sector in B.C. generates wealth, employment and government revenues benefiting the province as well as Canada as a whole,” the report concludes. “The mining sector is globally mobile, however, and British Columbia must compete against jurisdictions around the world to attract mining investment.” Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes was unavailable for comment. The full report can be found at, www.fraserinstitute.org.
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