Editor:
I am writing in response to the letter from Brian Battison headlined “Misinformation and bias at mine forum,” which was published in the Tribune on Dec. 15.
I attended the Fish Lake mine information session held Dec. 8 and the message I heard from the First Nations community leaders was one of mutual respect and responsibility to future generations, a message I appreciated.
The principal message from Mr. Laplante was that the “new” mine proposal is not new; it was previously described during the last mine review process as option 2.
He then went on to quote extensively from the previous environmental review panel findings which discussed option 2. Taseko wanted mine plan option 3 during the last mine review.
I checked the website Mr. Battison referenced in his letter and the full report from Taseko Mines does confirm Mr. Laplante’s position. The “new” mine plan is not new; it was previously described as option 2 during the last review process.
This was the message I received at the Dec. 8 meeting and it is a fact confirmed by Taseko’s submission to the federal government.
The allegation of misinformation is unsubstantiated in my view.
Rodger Hamilton
Williams Lake