Recently I wrote an article about revenue sharing and what it would mean for First Nations communities in the Cariboo.
If New Prosperity were located in the traditional territory of any other First Nations in the province the mine would likely have been built by now and would be providing hundreds of well-paying jobs to many First Nations people and others in the region.
As well, local bands would be benefiting directly from the millions of dollars of mineral tax being generated, to use as determined by the band membership.
A number of years ago Mr. Alphonse said his opposition to our project would keep him in office for a long time and that he would “continue to live a good life, fighting Taseko Mines.”
Mr. Alphonse represents the Anaham Reserve which he himself describes as being plagued by gang activity, where too many youth are involved in crime, where the majority of people are unemployed, and where some families live below the poverty line in conditions akin to those found in third-world countries.
Just imagine the impact New Prosperity could have in helping to tackle some of these difficult issues.
Taseko believes in helping those challenged by mental health and life issues which is why we recently contributed $1.5 million towards building a new Mental Health Facility at VGH, to help people in need.
Mr. Alphonse should take a long hard look in the mirror and ask himself what kind of leadership he is offering.
I think the First Nations people he represents are starting to ask themselves that very question; what are our priorities and how are we going to achieve them?
New Prosperity and the opportunity it holds is a step in the right direction.
Russell Hallbauer
President and CEO
Taseko Mines Limited