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Taseko remains committed

The federal government’s decision to turn down New Prosperity is not the end, said Taseko Mines vice-president of corporate affairs.

The federal government’s decision to turn down New Prosperity is not the end, said Taseko Mines vice-president of corporate affairs.

“We disagree with the decision made by the government of Canada. Saying no to this project is not acceptable to thousands of people in the Cariboo and is not acceptable to us,” Brian Battison said. “There is too much support and too much logic and common sense supporting it.”

Taseko will give consideration to other courses of action, he said, as well as follow through with the present judicial review filed by the company in November that is expected to take “many, many months.”

Battison wouldn’t clarify  “other courses of action”  saying those are for another day, but said he felt the panel process was flawed.

“The federal government’s decision was also flawed because it’s based on a broken assessment process. The assessment panel was inconsistent with its application of due process.”

Describing the environmental process as highly politicized, Battison said it divided the community.

“We will challenge this decision and seek to have it overturned. A unique opportunity for generations of people has been compromised by an ill-conceived process and a poorly managed agency.”

Everybody is terribly disappointed in the federal government’s decision, he added.

“It’s heart felt and genuine, the expressions of disappointment that I’ve heard all throughout yesterday evening and this morning and it continues.”

Battison said Taseko feels badly and will protect the interest of its shareholders and the people of the Cariboo.

 



Monica Lamb-Yorski

About the Author: Monica Lamb-Yorski

A B.C. gal, I was born in Alert Bay, raised in Nelson, graduated from the University of Winnipeg, and wrote my first-ever article for the Prince Rupert Daily News.
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