Kamloops Chamber sends letter in support of Ajax mine to feds

KAMLOOPS – The long-awaited Ajax vote by city councillors takes place next week and the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce just sent a letter to Catherine McKenna, Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, reiterating support for the project.

With the looming council vote, Chamber president Paul Ross says it was time to repeat the stance of support they've had for years. 

"We are coming down to an important time. The federal and environmental assessment reviews are coming out at the end of this year and council will weigh in next week," Ross says.

Most city councillors have said they are against the project in the past, but will officially vote on Monday, July 17. Council does not hold veto power over the proposed mine, however, its stance will be taken into consideration by the provincial and federal governments.

Echoing the sentiment of many, including MLA Todd Stone, Ross says the Chamber doesn't blindly support the mine. The group's support depends on whether it passes the environmental assessment process.

Ross says the letter went over the economic benefits, repeated the Chamber's support with contingencies of passing the reviews, and touched on the importance of pleasing stakeholders.

KHGM is a member of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce and Ross says cost of membership depends on the number of employees, but doesn't know exactly how much KGHM is paying for membership. KGHM International also sponsors the Chamber's Small Business of the Year award.

To get caught up on the proposed Ajax mine, go here. 

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