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Local MLA calls for action to help Atlin
Kootenay East MLA and Opposition Critic for Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Tom Shypitka is going to battle for the residents of Atlin, in the northwest corner of the province, blaming the provincial government for hurting its economy by dithering with approvals.
Shypitka travelled to Atlin last week to attend a local town hall and hear the concerns of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, residents and business owners firsthand.
He concluded Stikine MLA Nathan Cullen (NDP) and Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Bruce Ralston should do the same.
“In a community of 400 people where the local economy, for the past 125 years, has been based on companies operating placer mines — it is disheartening to watch as government inaction is extinguishing the success of this town,” said Shypitka.
“Currently, many companies are struggling to get permits in a timely or reasonable manner, which is essentially shutting this town down. Mining companies are pulling out and moving to other provinces while the residents of Atlin suffer the consequences and stress of a struggling economy.”
Atlin residents have been waiting years for mining and notice of work permits to be processed, facing the harsh reality that the lack of action by the government is leading to the shutdown of their town, Shypitka stated.
One such company that invests nearly $4 million into the town annually has begun the process of leaving the province due to lengthy permitting wait times and arbitrary bonding schedules.
There is an additional $8 million in local benefits tinkering on the edge for this year. Many residents have noted that the MLA Cullen, and Minister Ralston are nowhere to be found and are not responding to their pleas to speed up the approval process and aid their town’s hopes of survival, he continued.
“The people of Atlin have every reason to be afraid and upset. This is a completely unacceptable wait time that could be easily avoided, and for that reason, I am calling on the NDP government to approve their permits in hopes of saving this summer season,” Shypitka stated.
“These residents and workers — like many others in B.C.’s rural communities — are feeling the cold shoulder from government. They feel like there is nobody standing up for them as they try to make ends meet and save their town.”
The NDP government continues to watch from the sidelines as rural communities across British Columbia face skyrocketing costs of living while receiving little to no relief,” he said.
“This town’s survival depends on these permits, and the people there deserve a streamlined process that can provide them with these services.”
Tom Shypitka photo
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