Budget 2022 Enhances Industry Decarbonization Programs but Misses Opportunity to Address Competitiveness Challenges for B.C.’s Low-Carbon Mines and Smelters  

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Vancouver, B.C. – While Budget 2022 increased funding for industry decarbonization programs it also missed an opportunity to implement urgent policy changes to B.C.’s carbon tax to improve the competitiveness of mining and smelting and other trade-exposed industries in B.C., according to the Mining Suppliers Association of B.C. (MSABC).  

Budget 2022 highlighted the need to redesign the CleanBC Program for Industry to align it with new federal carbon pricing rules and promote a more competitive business environment for trade-exposed industries. However, future changes and enhancements to the program are not certain and will only be considered after a year-long consultation process. B.C. is the only global mining jurisdiction with a comprehensive carbon tax that does not provide meaningful carbon pricing support to trade-exposed industries like mines.  [...]  READ MORE ➔

MSABC Welcomes Continuing Support for Businesses in B.C. Budget 2021

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Vancouver, B.C. – The Mining Suppliers Association of British Columbia (MSABC) welcomes continuing support for businesses as they recover from COVID-19, and extended funding to help industrial customers finance emissions reduction projects in Budget 2021.

Budget 2021 includes several important measures to support B.C. businesses recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, including $150 million to support the Increased Employment Incentive tax credit and $195 million for the Small- and Medium-sized Business Recovery Grant Program. “These provincial programs, in addition to measures from the federal government, have helped stabilize businesses during the pandemic and will help businesses expand as the B.C. economy recovers,” said Mike Abbey, Area Fire Sales Manager, Canada West, Johnson Controls & Chair of MSABC.    [...]  READ MORE ➔

An Update on MSABC Events for 2021

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MSABC Update

An Update on MSABC Events for 2021

We are very excited to provide you with an update on MSABC’s plans for resuming in-person networking events this year. Until recently, it has been very difficult to guess when large, in-person events will be safe to be held again. If you have friends or family who have tried planning a wedding recently, you know exactly what we mean. Within days of MSABC postponing the 2020 Spring Fling due to COVID-19 uncertainties, the Government of B.C. declared a state of emergency prohibiting events with 50 or more people. That prohibition was tightened and remains in place today, however with a vaccination program now underway MSABC is in a better position to set dates for the resumption of safe in-person events. Notwithstanding new setbacks, such as vaccination delays or additional challenges related to COVID-19 variants, we are cautiously optimistic we will be able to proceed with the following events in 2021 and 2022.  [...]  READ MORE ➔

MSABC Launches New Logo and Website to Promote B.C. Mining Suppliers

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Vancouver, B.C. – The Mining Suppliers Association of British Columbia (MSABC) is launching a new logo and website as part of its continued efforts to raise awareness of B.C.’s mining supply and services sector and this sector’s contribution to the provincial and national economies. The new logo, reflecting provincial colours and including the full name of the association, clarifies MSABC’s roots as a B.C. organization to audiences located outside of the province.

“Over the past decade, the B.C. mining industry has become increasingly interconnected with the larger Canadian and international mining ecosystems,” said Mike Abbey, Chair of MSABC and Area Owner Sales Manager, Canada West for Johnson Controls. “With head offices for several B.C. mining operations based outside of the province, in places such as Ontario and Australia, it’s important that our logo clearly reflects the strong mining supply and services center of excellence that exists in B.C.” [...]  READ MORE ➔

Important Tax and Training Measures Advanced in BC Budget 2018

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Vancouver, B.C. —  The Mining Suppliers Association of British Columbia (MSABC) supports several tax and training measures in Budget 2018 aimed at attracting investments in exploration and mining as well as preparing our workforce to capitalize on new development opportunities.

Budget 2018 extends the Mining Flow-Through Share Tax Credit for one year, to the end of 2018. “The extension of the Mining Flow-Through Share Tax Credit will help companies raise money for a variety of exploration activities,” said Rodger McLean, Chair of MSABC. “From project planning, equipment transport to finally drilling and testing core samples, B.C. companies that provide supplies and services for mineral exploration and mining activities will benefit from Flow-Through Share investments in 2018.” [...]  READ MORE ➔

MSABC Welcomes Removal of PST on Electricity and Innovation Commitment in Budget 2017

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Vancouver, B.C. —  The Mining Suppliers Association of British Columbia (MSABC) welcomes the Government of B.C.’s commitment to phase out the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on electricity used by businesses, with an initial reduction from 7% to 3.5% and full elimination by April 1, 2019. “The removal of PST used in mining was a key commitment made by the BC NDP as part of our industry’s recent Vote Mining campaign and we are glad to see Government delivering on this measure,” said Rodger McLean, Chair of MSABC & Senior Manager, Innovative Solutions at Britco Construction. “No other jurisdiction in Canada charges full PST on electricity used for mining so this will help level the playing field for mines and other businesses in our province,” added McLean. [...]  READ MORE ➔

MSABC Welcomes Balanced Budget and Continued Focus on Economic Growth in Budget 2015

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Vancouver, B.C. – The Mining Suppliers Association of British Columbia (MSABC) welcomes a third consecutive balanced budget and continued investments to grow the B.C. mining sector in Budget 2015. “It is good to see Government maintaining fiscal prudence while continuing to lay the groundwork for continued economic growth in this Budget,” said Darold Thorp, Chair of MSABC. “Budget 2015 contains important measures to improve the mine permitting process, to attract new investments in mining and to ensure our workforce is prepared to capitalize on new opportunities,” added Thorp. [...]  READ MORE ➔

MSABC Welcomes Return to Balanced Budget and Investments in Environmental Assessments and Training in BC Budget 2014

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Vancouver, B.C. — The Mining Suppliers Association of British Columbia (MSABC) welcomes the return to a balanced budget and continued investments in exploration, environmental assessments and skills training in Budget 2014. “MSABC congratulates the provincial government on its prudent fiscal management and the return to a balanced budget with a plan to grow the surplus,” said Ken Roberts, Chair of MSABC. Roberts added, “MSABC also welcomes the extension of the BC Mining Flow-Through Share Tax Credit which provides, along with recently extended federal measures, an important source of capital for mineral exploration in BC.” [...]  READ MORE ➔

MSABC Congratulates BC Miner Jim O’Rourke on Induction into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame

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Vancouver, B.C. – The Mining Suppliers Association of British Columbia (MSABC) congratulates Jim O’Rourke, CEO of Copper Mountain Mining Corporation, for being selected as an inductee to the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame. “On behalf of MSABC, I would like to congratulate Jim for receiving this national recognition for his contributions to the development of a safe and sustainable mining industry in British Columbia and Canada,” said Mike Ranallo, MSABC Chair and Vice President, International Sales & Marketing for SMS Equipment Inc. [...]  READ MORE ➔

Mining Suppliers Applaud Christy Clark’s Commitment to Natural Resources Industries

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Vancouver – The Mining Suppliers Association of B.C. (MSABC) was pleased with comments made by Liberal leadership candidate Christy Clark regarding the importance of supporting the natural resources industries in British Columbia. At a recent meeting that included Patty Moore, Chair of MSABC, Clark made it very clear that she believes it is critical to recognize and support the natural resources industries, including metals mining, oil & gas and forestry.

“It is not my place to suggest, one way or another, how anyone should vote for the leader of the Liberal or NDP parties, or which party should be chosen in a provincial election,” explained Moore. “But we do feel we need to inform those with a vested interest in the mining industry, which candidates are our supporters.” [...]  READ MORE ➔