Province, First Nations take next step to grow economy through partnerships, planning, conservation in northwestern B.C.

Press Release

June 3, 2025

VICTORIA – In partnership with the Province, the Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Gitanyow and Nisga’a Nations are kicking off land-use planning in the northwestern corner of B.C., engaging with industry, community and other partners to implement world-leading land-use plans that will provide greater certainty for investors, First Nations and communities alike.

Last week, Premier David Eby outlined government’s vision for building prosperity centred on the pillars of economic growth, reconciliation and conservation in northwestern B.C. The vision includes partnering with First Nations to achieve large-scale conservation and strengthen reconciliation envisioned by the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). These are foundations to establishing areas for Indigenous-led conservation for precious land and watersheds in some of the most pristine and rugged wilderness in Canada and for clearly identifying areas where critical minerals may be developed. Partnerships with First Nations provide the pathway to efficiently accessing and developing these valuable resources so B.C. can be the economic engine of Canada’s new economy, creating opportunities throughout the province for billions in investment and thousands of family-supporting jobs.

To that end, over the next year, the Province, Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Gitanyow and Nisga’a Nations will undertake expedited, inclusive land-use planning and essential stakeholder and public engagement. The Province and First Nation partners are committed to undertake and complete a robust engagement so that the land-use plans represent a fair and shared vision for northwest B.C.

The land-use planning processes will include:

• land-use planning in an area covering about 16 million hectares in the northwestern corner of the province, near the Alaska and Yukon borders;
• completion of plan development within a year through engagement with and input from communities, First Nations, regional districts, industry, tenure holders, recreation users and conservation organizations;
• identification of areas for conservation of biodiversity, including wild salmon, caribou, sheep and other sensitive species, and cultural values;
• clear identification of areas open to potential development, including mineral exploration and development, with clear sustainability and environmental safeguards supporting improved permitting efficiency and effectiveness;
• updating existing land-use plans and strategic engagement agreements that clarify requirements for expedited implementation of the northwest vision; and
• a one-year pause on new mining-tenure registrations in just under one-third of the land-use planning area to support the joint planning process, while allowing permitting and exploration for existing projects and mineral claims to take place.

The plans created through these collaborative processes will define what can occur on the land base, identifying important areas for both Indigenous-led conservation and areas for potential natural resource development to create a wealth of new opportunities for economic development.

Engagement on the land-use plans will begin in the coming weeks. There will be a variety of opportunities for engagement.

Learn More:

For more information, visit: https://planninginpartnership.ca/

To view a map of the land-use planning area, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Area_Of_Northwest_Land_Use_Plans.pdf

Four backgrounders follow.

Contact:

Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Media Relations
gcpe.wlrsmedia@gov.bc.ca
250 419-8775

BACKGROUNDER 1
What people are saying about northwest land-use planning, engagement
Updated on June 3, 2025

Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship –

“The northwest strategy will provide clarity for First Nations, industry and the public, and will advance our goal of protecting 30% of the land by 2030 on some of the most biodiverse and rugged land and watersheds in Canada. It will also create tens of billions of dollars in investment and thousands of good, family-supporting jobs for British Columbians.”

Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals –

“This strategy builds on years of co-operation between our government, First Nations and industry to strike the right balance between conservation, reconciliation and economic development. Partnerships like this will deliver the critical minerals the world needs while better protecting the air, land and waters that First Nations have stewarded since time immemorial.”

Beverly Slater, president, Tahltan Central Government –

“Phase 1 land-use plan is a significant step toward sustainable development and reconciliation. Ensuring our culturally sensitive land is off limits to development, that our air, fish, land, water and wildlife will be protected, and establishing co-management protocols for responsible resource development within Tahltan territory is not only in the best interest of the Tahltan Nation, but also in the best interest of all British Columbians.”

Jíník, Charmaine Thom, spokesperson, Taku River Tlingit First Nation –

“This long-awaited commitment marks a significant step toward right relations between the Taku River Tlingit First Nation and the Government of British Columbia, focused on land and water stewardship in the globally significant Taku watershed. We welcome this opportunity to build on our T’akú Tlatsini IPCA, rooted in the direction of our elders and citizens and based on generations of knowledge and decades of research and work. Through respectful collaboration and partnership, we look forward to working with the Province, stakeholders and all who care for or depend upon our territory to build a robust and thriving shared future.”

Chief Stephen Charlie, Liard First Nation​ –

“This is a world-class landscape and holds tremendous potential for a conservation economy based on outdoor recreation, tourism, research, ecosystem restoration and other sustainable activities. Across Canada, Indigenous people are taking responsibility for the future of their lands and communities, and our work is an important part of that movement.”

Tara Marsden/Naxginkw, Wilp sustainability director, Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs –

“Today, we are moving forward together to protect critical salmon habitat in the Meziadin, building on decades of collaborative land-use planning. This renewed certainty will support continued economic growth in fisheries, eco-tourism and mineral exploration in less sensitive areas.”

Eva Clayton, president, Nisga’a Nation, Nisg̱a’a Lisims Government –

“The Nisga’a Lisims Government administration will be delighted to work with B.C., Canada and our neighboring First Nations across the northwest. Many of us have shared interest when it comes to our natural resources and economic vision. We look forward to reviewing the data from the multiple experts and state-of-the-art land-assessment procedures. With 25 years experience in land assessments, waterways and sustainable resource management, we are prepared to bring our best to the table and contribute to economic excellence.”

Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation –

“The shared vision we have for the northwest is centred on reconciliation as envisioned by the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, conservation and economic growth. By building and strengthening government-to-government relationships with the Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Gitanyow and Nisga’a Nations, appropriately planning for and protecting the land and environment, and providing predictability and transparency in this work, we will create opportunities for good jobs and a strong economy. My gratitude and thanks to all involved.”

Tori Ball, conservation director, lands and freshwater program, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) –

“CPAWS-BC is heartened that the Province is acting on its commitment to protecting the lands, waters and ways of life that make B.C. special through land-use planning carried out in partnership with First Nations. Collaborative planning has the potential to meet the dual challenge of ecological crisis and economic uncertainty by putting ecosystem and community health at the core of decision-making. We have a generational opportunity to bring people together to work toward a shared vision of a healthy future for wildlife and British Columbians alike.”

Nikki Skuce, director, Northern Confluence Initiative –

“This northwest announcement is putting commitments into action that help B.C. meet its conservation goals, while also providing greater certainty to industry through land-use planning. This ambitious pathway will help us in the northwest move forward with responsible development that protects our salmon watersheds and makes us more resilient to climate-change impacts. We look forward to participating in meaningful public engagement as planning moves forward in co-operation with Indigenous governments.”

Justin Himmelright, senior vice-president, external affairs, Skeena Gold & Silver –

“Skeena looks forward to engaging in this process. As a near-term producer of precious and critical minerals, we have first-hand experience with the work needed to permit and develop a mine in B.C. Working with all parties to establish certainty on the land is an essential step in creating prosperity for First Nations and all British Columbians.”

Rudi Fronk, CEO and chairman of the board, Seabridge Gold –

“We support the land-use planning process and welcome its focus on collaboration and reconciliation. We look forward to working with the Province, the Tahltan and the Nisga’a Nation to finalize the plan.”

Trish Jacques, board chair, Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) –

“AME shares the government’s aspiration for certainty, including establishing clear areas for critical minerals and precious metals exploration and development. While there are good signs at this early stage, from the accelerated one-year land-use planning process to allowing Notice of Work permitting and existing tenures to continue throughout the planning area, mineral explorers have invested hard work and money in areas that may be considered sensitive. AME will continue to advocate to protect mineral exploration and development for the benefit of all British Columbians.”

Katherine MacRae and Scott Ellis, co-chairs, Adventure Tourism Coalition –

“The Adventure Tourism Coalition supports the collaborative approach to land-use planning in the northwest. This process is a critical opportunity to ensure long-term ecological integrity while also recognizing the economic importance of low-impact, nature-based tourism. We remain optimistic that through meaningful engagement and Indigenous leadership, this process can result in land designations that protect sensitive areas and sustain outdoor-recreation opportunities for generations to come.”

Jeff Hanman, executive vice-president and chief strategy officer, Teck Resources –

“Northwest B.C. has tremendous potential to responsibly supply critical minerals the world needs and create economic opportunity. Working in co-operation with Indigenous communities and local stakeholders is essential to responsibly unlocking this resource potential and advancing reconciliation.”

Michael Goehring, president and CEO, Mining Association of British Columbia –

“Northwest land-use planning can unlock generational economic development in the region and across the province through a balanced, informed and inclusive process that achieves conservation objectives while accelerating permitting for provincially or nationally significant mining projects in full partnership with First Nations. Creating greater certainty for investors will strengthen B.C.’s and Canada’s position as a leading global supplier of critical minerals and metals.”

Abdul Rahman Amoadu, managing director, Africa-Canada business unit, Newmont –

“With over a century of experience, Newmont has found that shared visions between industry and communities lead to the most successful outcomes. Gaining a clearer understanding of areas of cultural significance to Indigenous groups in northwest B.C. will support more informed and effective business decisions.”

Louise Pedersen, executive director, Outdoor Recreation Council of BC –

“We welcome this commitment to inclusive land-use planning in the northwest. Recreation users have strong connections to these landscapes, and it’s important that their voices are part of the conversation. Collaborative planning can help strike the right balance between public access, conservation, economic growth and Indigenous leadership so these places can be enjoyed and cared for by all.”

Contact:

Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Media Relations
gcpe.wlrsmedia@gov.bc.ca
250 419-8775

BACKGROUNDER 2

What to know about critical minerals, mining sector

• In 2019, B.C. enacted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) as B.C.’s framework for reconciliation, and the current work in partnership with First Nations advances DRIPA implementation.
• The critical minerals opportunity in northwestern B.C. is worth tens of billions of dollars in investment and thousands of good, family-supporting jobs throughout the province.
• B.C. released Clean and Competitive, A blueprint for B.C.’s Industrial Future in spring 2024, which outlines key opportunities to develop new industries and attract good jobs and new businesses to communities.
• A key component of this work is recognizing First Nations’ economic self-determination and the provincial government’s commitment to work together in partnership to attract investments that meet shared economic and environmental goals.
• According to International Energy Agency, global demand for some critical minerals is expected to increase fivefold by 2040, with copper, which is a key commodity that is produced in northwestern B.C., highlighted as facing supply shortages.
• The 2024 B.C. Critical Minerals Strategy laid the foundations for strong partnerships between First Nations, government and industry that will encourage investment and sustainable economic growth that advances climate action.
• This is a generational opportunity to strengthen critical minerals sector, access global markets and secure new jobs throughout the province.
• B.C. produces or has the potential to produce 19 of Canada’s 34 critical minerals, such as nickel, rare Earth elements and antimony, essential to Canada’s economic independence and national security.
• The opportunity in the northwest builds on progress made on several infrastructure investments over the past several years, including a new airstrip at Dease Lake, a deepwater port at Stewart and $195 million in highway improvements jointly funded with the federal government to improve highways 37 and 51.
• Over the past three years, capital investment in B.C.’s mining sector is the highest it’s ever been, growing 112% since 2017.
• Approximately 40,000 people in British Columbia work in the sector, earning an average annual salary of $139,000.
• B.C. is joining other jurisdictions around the world in enhancing nature-conservation efforts, a key strategy for addressing global climate change.
• The Province committed to protect 30% of the land and water in B.C. by 2030, and the northwest can make an important contribution to this effort.
• Land-use planning in the northwest will help grow B.C.’s already thriving conservation economy, with significant opportunities for local businesses that can be sustained in perpetuity, consistent with Indigenous values and priorities.
• About 18.5 million hectares of protected and conserved areas in B.C. have already been protected, which is approximately 20% of B.C.’s total land area.

Contact:

Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Media Relations
gcpe.wlrsmedia@gov.bc.ca
250 419-8775

 

BACKGROUNDER 3

What to know about land-use planning, Indigenous-led conservation

Inclusive land-use planning in partnership with First Nations is key to providing long-term certainty for communities, investors and First Nations alike.

Land-use planning is a transparent, inclusive process that is informed by engagement with local governments, stakeholders, communities and the public. A broad range of information is considered during the development of land-use plans, including traditional knowledge, cultural values, geological, socio-economic and environmental data, and feedback received through engagement with industry and the public on proposed land uses. Data such as mineral-potential information is publicly available. For more information, visit: https://cmscontent.nrs.gov.bc.ca/geoscience/PublicationCatalogue/OpenFile/BCGS_OF2024-05.pdf and https://cmscontent.nrs.gov.bc.ca/geoscience/PublicationCatalogue/OpenFile/BCGS_OF2024-11.pdf

Among the goals of land-use planning is creating long-term predictability on the land base by clearly defining areas where:

• conventional resource development may take place in accordance with standard legislative frameworks and consultative processes that reflect efficient timelines enabled by the land-use planning processes;
• development may only occur under special management conditions; or
• protection of ecosystem health and cultural values is prioritized and resource extraction is excluded.

In the northwest, the Tahltan, Taku River Tlingit, Kaska Dena, Gitanyow and Nisga’a Nations have already undertaken or participated in significant land-use planning work. Given their progress to date, as well as the urgency of economic growth and the government’s conservation commitments, the parties are committed to completing land-use plans for the northwest within one year based on the three pillars of economy, reconciliation and conservation. There is a generational opportunity for jobs and wealth creation, while meeting the shared commitment of protecting 30% of land and watersheds in B.C. by 2030 and implementing DRIPA. The northwest represents significant opportunities for critical-mineral and precious-metal exploration and development in B.C., increasingly important in the context of tariffs, unstable trade networks and rapidly increasing global demand.

Contact:

Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Media Relations
gcpe.wlrsmedia@gov.bc.ca
250 419-8775

BACKGROUNDER 4

What to know about mining development in the northwest

he northwest is home to rich critical-mineral and precious-metal resources. Global demand for these resources is rising due to the transition to clean energy and the need to end dependence on jurisdictions, such as Russia and the U.S.

Today, mining in northwestern B.C. represents approximately $1.3 billion in annual production value and supports more than 1,800 direct and indirect jobs, including significant Indigenous employment. The region is also home to over half of B.C.’s annual mineral-exploration expenditures. Forward-looking companies are pro-actively partnering and collaborating with First Nations to ensure a shared vision for development of these resources, including consent-based agreements between the companies and affected First Nations with modern benefit sharing that ensures the local communities hosting significant new development also benefit equitably from the projects.

Mining projects in development throughout the northwestern land-use planning area have potential to produce critical minerals, including copper, nickel, molybdenum, zinc, cobalt and antimony, as well as precious metals, including gold and silver. For example, the proposed Galore Creek project contains 12 billion pounds of copper and could contribute nearly 40% of Canada’s annual copper production.

Collectively, mining projects in the planning area have the potential to secure tens of billions of dollars in private-sector investment, create thousands of high-paying jobs, contribute billions of dollars to provincial gross domestic product (GDP) and provide significant government revenue to build homes, schools, hospitals and infrastructure, both within the region and throughout B.C.

Two high-priority mining projects in the area are currently advancing: the Eskay Creek gold and silver project near Stewart, which involves a potential capital expenditure of $713 million and will create 770 jobs, and the Red Chris mine expansion near Iskut, which involves a potential capital expenditure of $2.3 billion and will create 1,500 jobs.

The Province is supporting responsible mining development in the northwest through a range of measures, including:

• consent-based agreements and other governance arrangements with First Nations to provide predictability on processes for resource development;
• expedited land-use planning in partnership with First Nations;
• investments in the social well-being and physical infrastructure northern communities need to thrive;
• working alongside other provinces and the federal government to pursue new trade agreements that prioritize B.C.’s minerals and metals;
• providing resources necessary to speed up permitting while maintaining high environmental standards and commitment to reconciliation;
• expanding B.C.’s clean electricity grid so it can power new mines and mine expansions while ensuring B.C.’s mining industry is the cleanest in the world;
• providing certainty and timeliness for investors through future regulatory and infrastructure policy changes; and
• aligning provincial and federal assessment processes for projects of provincial or national significance to achieve “one project, one review.”

Contact:

Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Media Relations
gcpe.wlrsmedia@gov.bc.ca
250 419-8775

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