Eby says partnership with First Nations integral to economic prosperity in northwest BC

David Eby has made it clear that partnership with First Nations will be integral to ensuring economic prosperity in the northwest region of the province.Meanwhile, Tsartlip First Nation Chief Don Tom called the premier a "snake oil salesman" for failing to deliver on his previous promises to indigenous people."The vision is really built around three crucial pillars," he said during a press conference on Monday. "The first is economic growth. The second is reconciliation — that's why we are doing this in partnership with First Nations — and the third is conservation, that we are protecting wild spaces for future generations.".Eby explained that his government's approach to mining development would provide a "generational opportunity" for those living in the area by creating good jobs for decades to come."They have spent a huge amount of time on land use planning," he said of the First Nations living there. "They have been working with industry for a long time already, they have very good partnerships, and because of that partnership that already exists between industry and First Nations, the missing element has been the ability to make it real through government helping get things across the line."Eby argued that his approach would make BC "a world-class place to invest," noting that "our province has all it takes to succeed in the face of global challenges" and "drive private-sector investment that will benefit all British Columbians.".According to The Province, Tom made his comments before Eby's press conference, drawing attention to a duo of controversial bills being pushed by the BC NDP."Right now, when it comes to Bill 14 and 15, Mr. Eby is a snake oil salesman," he said. "He'll tell us how great it is, what the benefits are but we know, in reality, that it will do us no good. We'll take every legal means possible to not only quash Bill 14 and 15 but, should they somehow get it passed that, no First Nations wants to use their resources to go into court, but we are prepared to, and we are co-ordinating our efforts as we speak."

Eby says partnership with First Nations integral to economic prosperity in northwest BC

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