Comments on Bill 12, the Mining Rights Amendment Act

Bill 12, the Mining Rights Amendment Act, 1998, was introduced into the BC legislature on April 22nd and rushed through to Second Reading on April 29th. It appears to have been developed in closed door discussions with the mining industry. No consultation occurred with stakeholders other than industry. Government statements indicate a desire to pass the Bill with no opportunity for meaningful debate or opportunity for sober second thought. In the opinion of West Coast Environmental Law Association, the Bill represents a major step backward in environmental protection and could cost taxpayers heavily and unnecessarily.