KDLC Calls for Full Panel Review on Ajax
The Kamloops and District Labour Council called on federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna to order a full panel review of the proposed Ajax mine project. The labour organization joined the City of Kamloops, the Thompson Nicola Regional District, and the Stk’emlupsemc te Secwepemc Nation who have also requested a more rigorous review.
KDLC represents over 11,000 unionized public and private sector workers in the Kamloops area voted without dissension to send a letter to the Environment Minister in hopes to encourage the review.
“Our labour organization supports good local, family supporting jobs especially when our unemployment rate is higher than the provincial average,” said President Barb Nederpel. “We also believe that a project of this size and location warrants the best scientific review possible so the results will be received by the public with greater confidence.”
The recent SLR Consulting report on KGHM’s 18,000 page application has left many in Kamloops doubting the completeness of KGHM’s application and wanting more details.
“Given the size of the mine and its proximity to Kamloops, it is baffling that the current federal environment minister wouldn’t immediately order a full panel review” said Nederpel. “We are asking this minister to side with the City of Kamloops, the TNRD, First Nations, and now the KDLC to order the review this project needs.”
KDLC has a proud record of supporting mining and miners in the Kamloops area and across the province.
“Labour will continue to stand with working people and will fight to ensure that mining jobs go first to local workers, British Columbians, and Canadians, who are in strong unions to ensure the best health and safety standards possible, and fair wages and benefits to support families and strengthen the local economy” said Nederpel. “We will not stand by and allow the exploitation of temporary foreign workers.”
