From Vancouver to Vanderhoof,

Voters Have Spoken.

Explore how our natural resources drive well-paying jobs and public services in British Columbia. And don't miss the chance to have your voice heard.

Support BC Resources – Send Your Letter

Building Prosperity Through Resource Industries

British Columbia is vast, with industries like forestry, mining, and energy contributing significantly to communities across the province. For example, in 2022, the top municipalities benefiting from mining-related supply chain spending included Vancouver, Kamloops, and Prince George.

The impact is truly province-wide. Cities like Vancouver and Prince Rupert are home to ports that connect our resource communities with global markets, creating abundant jobs and economic benefits in both major cities and small towns. By supporting natural resources, we ensure that BC prospers.

BC’s Resource-Driven Economy

BC’s resource sectors support thousands of well-paying jobs, and BC has many of the resource products that the world needs, like the critical minerals essential for the global transition to a low-carbon economy.

We all thrive when natural resources create well-paid jobs and affordable lives.

However, recent hardships have had a significant impact in resource communities with job losses, project delays, and mill closures. Growing sectors like mining and natural gas helps maintain affordability for BC residents, and investing in innovation and regulatory efficiency ensures that opportunities in forestry can be fully maximized so that vital jobs can be protected.

A strong BC economy starts with natural resources - forestry, mining, LNG, and all forms of energy.

Natural resource sectors drive BC’s economy. In 2022, mining contributed $18 billion and accounted for 28% of BC's exports. The natural gas sector is expected to increase contributions to over $1.43 billion by 2027.

With the push towards net-zero emissions, critical minerals are set to play a pivotal role. BC has the chance to lead in responsible mining exploration and development, potentially bringing $36 billion in near-term investment. The long-term economic impact could reach as high as $800 billion, making mining exploration and development essential for BC’s economic future.

Natural Resources Support Our Services

Resource revenues also fund BC’s essential services, from schools and healthcare to housing.

It's how we pay for the things we need to thrive, like schools, health care, and housing.

Forestry generates $6.6 billion in government revenues, and LNG production could yield $78 billion by 2064. The LNG industry also supports economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities, providing long-term financial benefits and career opportunities.

In addition to direct revenues from industries, resource incomes enable British Columbia workers to support their families and communities.

An Economic Imperative

Slowing or stopping natural resource development stops the BC economy.

Declining resource development has led to significant job losses, such as over 10,000 forestry-related jobs lost in 2023. Mining project approvals take up to 15 years, delaying thousands of jobs and billions in potential investments. Without streamlining approvals, BC risks missing opportunities that fund vital public services.

Voters Have Spoken

The majority of BC says "Yes!" to better jobs and better services.

British Columbians consistently support policies that maintain resource-based employment, recognizing the need for economic development and the stability these jobs provide. According to a recent poll from the BC Chamber of Commerce, 74% of voters believe that natural resources could improve economic prospects for younger generations. 41% say that natural resource sectors have the potential to make the greatest economic impact on the province’s future.

Voters across the province are calling for action to strengthen the economy and create opportunities for younger generations.

Support BC Resources – Send Your Letter

How to Send Your Letter

By sending this letter, you’re advocating for a sustainable and responsible future for BC’s natural resources.

Form Letter Template

Dear Premier Eby and Mr. Rustad,

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen of British Columbia who believes in the importance of securing a prosperous future for our province through the development of natural resources.

From Vancouver to Vanderhoof and from Victoria to Fort St. John, BC’s voters have spoken, recognizing that our province’s prosperity depends on the responsible and forward-thinking utilization of our natural wealth.

Natural resources are the backbone of BC’s economy, providing crucial support to communities across the province. In 2022, the mining sector alone contributed $18 billion to the economy, while the forestry industry supports over 100,000 well-paying jobs, despite recent challenges. Natural gas is expected to play an even larger role, contributing over $1.43 billion in revenue by 2027. These sectors not only create jobs but generate significant revenues that fund vital public services like schools and healthcare.

As you know, $80 billion to $100 billion in mining and natural gas projects are currently awaiting decisions. Ensuring timely and clear approval processes for these projects is essential. Delays in decision-making, particularly in the forestry and mining sectors, are already having detrimental effects. In 2023, the forestry industry saw over 10,000 job losses due to decreased timber harvesting, with the potential for more job losses across related industries if resource development continues to be hindered.

The majority of British Columbians support a future where well-paying resource jobs help fund critical public services and maintain affordable lives. Our schools, healthcare, and infrastructure are directly supported by revenues from natural resources. Projects like LNG Canada and Cedar LNG are also instrumental in advancing economic reconciliation with Indigenous communities, offering both financial benefits and meaningful career opportunities.

I urge you to prioritize resource development, ensuring that regulatory barriers are addressed and approval processes are streamlined. By taking decisive action, you can secure BC’s place as a leader in sustainable resource development while creating new opportunities for economic growth, reconciliation, and environmental stewardship.

(Optional: I personally support BC’s resource development because [insert personal reason].)

Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I look forward to seeing your continued commitment to BC’s natural resource sectors.

[Your Name]

[Postal Code]

Note:

Feel free to personalize this letter with your own reasons for supporting BC’s natural resource development. This letter can be sent to both Premier David Eby and John Rustad, urging them to prioritize the responsible growth of our natural resource industries.

Photo credits: Kaylan Worsnop/Association for Mineral Exploration, BC Forestry Alliance, Forest Products Association of Canada, Adobe Stock, NWT Territories and Nunavut Chamber of Commerce, FP Innovations, BC Chamber of Commerce