National

B.C. Brings In New Oversight Rules For Mining After Tailings-Pond Collapse

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 25 Feb, 2016 12:12 PM

VICTORIA — The British Columbia government is imposing more oversight on the mining industry by boosting potential penalties for prosecutions to $1 million in fines and three years in prison.

The new regulations emerge from recommendations in separate reports after the collapse of the Mount Polley tailings dam in B.C.'s Interior, which spilled millions of tonnes of mine waste into area waterways.

The province has been limited under the Mines Act to shutting down a mine by cancelling its permit, issuing a stop-work order or pursuing prosecutions, but the changes will now allow for monetary penalties to be imposed without going to court.

Mines Minister Bill Bennett says the changes provide his ministry with more tools for compliance and enforcement, to build an even safer and more sustainable industry.

Bennett says his goal is to ensure the province has a regulatory regime for health and safety on mine sites that is the best in the world.

After the failure of the Mount Polley tailings dam in August 2014, the chief inspector of mines ordered a third-party review of all similar operations and found no immediate safety concerns.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

TPP: Historic Trade Deal Likely To Be Announced This Afternoon

After five days of around-the-clock negotiations, an announcement appears imminent on the Trans-Pacific Partnership which would cover 40 per cent of the world's economy.

TPP: Historic Trade Deal Likely To Be Announced This Afternoon

Where's The Beef Come From? Fast-food Giants In Ad War Over Meat Source

Beef "raised without the use of hormones or steroids," one fast-food chain touts in its commercials. "Not Without Canadian Farmers," another burger giant boasts of its menu.

Where's The Beef Come From? Fast-food Giants In Ad War Over Meat Source

Mulcair, Trudeau Campaign As Potential Pacific Trade Deal Casts Shadow On Trail

Mulcair made the comments as his campaign rolled across southwestern Ontario with half a dozen planned stops, including the cities of London and Sarnia.

Mulcair, Trudeau Campaign As Potential Pacific Trade Deal Casts Shadow On Trail

Mohamed Fahmy Wants Canada To Do More For Citizens Detained Abroad

Mohamed Fahmy maintains he doesn't want to get too political, but he does want to trigger a national conversation on the issue when he arrives in Toronto in the coming days.

Mohamed Fahmy Wants Canada To Do More For Citizens Detained Abroad

Nova Scotia Woman Wins $1.7m Jackpot In Chase-The-Ace Craze In Cape Breton

The game grew in popularity across the region as the jackpot steadily expanded and word spread about the event's raucous, kitchen-party atmosphere.

Nova Scotia Woman Wins $1.7m Jackpot In Chase-The-Ace Craze In Cape Breton

PM Harper's Inbox Receives Emails About Allegations Involving Sen. Don Meredith

Angry Canadians called for Sen. Don Meredith to be removed from the Senate after allegations emerged that he had an improper relationship with a teenager.