The Association for Mineral Exploration BC (AME BC) today thanked the federal government for its continued support of the mineral exploration tax credit, and reducing red tape. The federal budget includes an extension to the 15 per-cent Mineral Exploration Tax Credit to March 31, 2012. This important tax credit helps companies raise capital by providing an incentive to individuals who invest in flow-through shares for mineral exploration in Canada. As well, the federal government will continue the important work of the Red Tape Reduction Commission in order to eliminate complex and overlapping regulatory requirements while protecting the environment and the health and safety of employees and their families.
“BC-based mineral explorers and developers appreciate the key measures that were announced in today’s federal budget. Maintaining the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit and reducing red tape will help sustain Canada’s mineral exploration and mining sector, encourage capital investment and ultimately benefit all Canadians well into the future,” said Gavin C. Dirom, President and CEO of AME BC.
AME BC also commended the government’s commitment to supporting Aboriginal skills development. The BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association (BCAMTA), supported by the federal government, has led to the employment of 149 people in family-supporting careers. In total, there are 600 people now enrolled in this program, an indication that BC’s Aboriginal peoples will have an increased role in the sustainability of BC’s, and Canada’s mining industry.
“We thank the federal government for its support of Aboriginal skills development, and encourage Prime Minister Harper and the federal government to continue to support BCAMTA, and similar initiatives throughout the country, in future budgets,” said Mona Forster, Chair of AME BC.
“Nationally, the mining industry provides direct employment to over 300,000 Canadians. The federal government has clearly recognized the industry’s important role to the Canadian economy and our role in the world as leaders in mineral exploration and development,” stated Dirom. “We look forward to working with the federal government to make the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit permanent, to ensure a more efficient environmental assessment and permitting process for mine projects, and to continue the investment in Aboriginal skills development. By extending today’s initiatives into the future, the federal government will ensure that our world-class industry continues to be globally competitive and can attract and develop skilled workers for many generations to come.”
About AME BC:
AME BC is the predominant voice of mineral exploration and development in British Columbia. Established in 1912, AME BC represents thousands of members including geoscientists, prospectors, engineers, entrepreneurs, exploration companies, suppliers, mineral producers, and associations who are engaged in mineral exploration and development in BC and throughout the world. Through leadership, advocacy, and partnerships, AME BC promotes a healthy environment and business climate for the mineral exploration industry.