Here is what I plan to do. I am going to trust in the process

The concerns Kamloops residents have regarding their health, and the health of our community ... and ensuring we do everything possible to maintain and project our environment ... are high on the mind of many people in the area; people from all walks of life.

This of course is due to the AJAX mine proposal, which has been under discussion for some time.

For anyone interested, there is an organization called the Association for MineralExploration British Columbia and a lot of general information regarding the benefits of mines in BC can be found there.

As I mentioned in a commentary, I posted online March 11th ("I'm still not anexpert, but I'm willing to learn"), I attended a public forum in Kamloops which was hosted by Kamloops Moms for Clean Air. 

This led me to meet with one of the staff members at KGHM International, Jean-Paul Salley (External Affairs Specialist), to talk about the AJAX mine project.

Again as I mentioned on March 11th, I'm no expert, but I did fill another several pages with notes from my discussion with Jean-Paul.

At the moment, the proponents are in the process of working towards satisfying the application process for environmental standards, and there are a total 41 valued components which must be met.

In meeting with Jean-Paul I had a strong sense, and feeling, of sincerity when he spoke to a belief in responsible development, and that the project must be done responsibly. 

As Jean-Paul Sallery said to me, "KGHM International is committed long-term, to this project, and the community.  I can assure you that all activities will be done responsibly, in keeping with the company's ethos and legacy." 

That, I think, is one of the reasons why KGHM International has their doors open to meaningful dialogue regarding the mine project.

I also asked about what kind of thresholds would be looked at, not just by the mine proponents, but by those who will be involved at the provincial and federal levels, in doing the environmental assessment studies. As I suspected, the threshold levels will be much higher.  That's because of the mines proximity to the city of Kamloops.

In layman's terms, that sounds to me like a higher level of accountability and scrutiny.

Should the mine clear the environmental assessment, conducted by both the BC Environmental Assessment Authority and their Federal counterparts, there will be a number of checks and balances put in place.  Furthermore, each agency will conduct its' own investigational study, and make recommendations to their respective level of government.

I'm all for that!

This will provide the opportunity for a distinct separation of powers.  It will also see the best minds coming together, in an educated conclusion, either for -- or against -- the AJAX project.

Look ... I have to tell you, I don't know if the AJAX mine proposal is one that should go ahead in our community.  Here's what I do know; all we have at the moment is raw data.  There is nowhere near enough information, on which to base a decision, on what will be a VERY IMPORTANT choice for the people of our city.

Jobs and taxes WILL NOT be the final determining factor -- however I can see the value of the approximately 500 well-paying direct jobs likely to come about IF the mine goes ahead -- never mind the likelihood of another 1,500 or more spin-off jobs. And ... it is worth noting that according to Price Waterhouse Coopers, the mining industry pays salaries and benefits averaging $115,700.

The Preamble to BC Conservative Policy on the Environment states:
We recognize that BC’s diverse environmental assets are the envy of much of the world and should be preserved and protected, and that environmental and fiscal sustainability and optimization should be the hallmark of a government’s policy.

I am in full agreement with that.

Our Environmental policy also states that we will:
In all ways carry out responsible, fact-based stewardship of the environment. The government will base its decisions on the best available scientific data.

I am in full agreement with that as well.

Here's what I am most in agreement with; when it comes to BC Conservative Party policy:
The BC Conservative Party is based on the dual principles that the Party must be totally accountable to its members, and when forming the government, that our government will be accountable to all the people of the province.

As a BC Conservative Party MLA (should you choose to elect me) I will also be charged with the responsibility to first and foremost: " ... represent the interests of my  Constituents."

So here is what I plan to do.

I am going to trust in the process. I am NOT going to say "Yes" to this project right now --- but at the same time I will not say "No".

I believe that the best minds we have, at both the Federal and Provincial level, will come back with a decision that will enable us to decide if we want the AJAX project to go ahead. And ... they will let us know if they are able to come together, to find solutions, to any possible problems or issues.

Once they weigh in, then we can decide together, if we feel the Ajax project should proceed.

Let's 'stay sharp' Kamloops.

I'm Peter Sharp -- I'm a BC Conservative -- and I BELIEVE in BC!