Business leaders from across British Columbia have called on the province to develop the resource sector to its full potential.
The move comes following a promise from Premier David Eby to encourage growth in light of Donald Trump's tariff threats.
"In the face of large government-budget deficits, weak private-sector job growth, and global uncertainty, including the possibility of US tariffs, BC must take bold steps to strengthen its economic resilience," the Business Council of BC wrote in a joint statement. "Growing our economy by supporting the development of our resources makes sense."
While discussing the issue, Eby said he wanted to cut red tape, speed up decision-making, and ensure the government stays out of the way as much as possible.
"We support the vision and urge the government to move swiftly from words to action," BCBC continued. "Competitive business conditions are the key to ensuring that our economy can serve people and communities, especially during challenging times."
Among those who signed the statement were Resource Works CEO Stewart Muir, Association for Mineral Exploration CEO Keerit Jutla, BC Salmon Farmers Association Executive Director Brian Kingzett, BC Agriculture Council President Jennifer Woike, BC Council of Forest Industries VP Kurt Niquidet, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers CEO Lisa Baiton, Mining Association of BC CEO Michael Goehring, First Nations LNG Alliance Chair Crystal Smith, and Canadian Propane Association CEO Shannon Watt.
"The First Nations LNG Alliance fully supports responsible resource development as a path to economic opportunity, reconciliation, and shared prosperity," Smith said. "By streamlining approvals and fostering investment, we can ensure that Indigenous communities are active partners and beneficiaries in building a stronger, more resilient economy for all."
Goehring and Baiton pointed out that BC has a "unique opportunity" and is "ideally positioned" to be a leader in both the critical mineral and energy export fields, but argued that can only happen if more is done to make the province more business-friendly.
As of now, BC's resource sector accounts for 11% of the provincial GDP, injecting $45 billion into the economy. Around 137,000 jobs are directly related to the resource sector, with forestry making up the bulk.
In 2023 natural resources accounted for $40.3 billion in exports, approximately $7 of every $10 in goods that left the province. Of that, 54.2% was bought by the United States.