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We're taking Mount Polley incident seriously, MLA says

Delta North - The Editor, Re: "MLA Hamilton must answer for his party," Now letters, Aug. 14.

The television images that came out the morning of the tailing pond breach at Mount Polley Mine left me saddened and angry. The videos of fallen trees and mud clogging up Hazeltine Creek were emotionally devastating.This should not have happened. Quesnel Lake and the surrounding areas are some of most beautiful and pristine wilderness in our province.As a member of government, I take very seriously the questions and concerns raised by the public. Indeed, it is an expectation that the public hold government accountable in situations such as these.I can tell you with absolute sincerity that we will find out what happened in this case, and we will ensure it does not happen again. I along with other MLAs have spoken to the minister in charge of regulating the mining industry and he has listened.We know it will take hard work to restorethe public's faith but we will get there.There are dozens of staff including biologists, geologists and mine inspectors on the ground in the area investigating the situation. The company responsible will face discipline and has promised to take financial responsibility for cleaning up its mess.This week our government has ordered an independent engineering investigation and inquiry into the Mount Polley tailings pond breach, along with an independent third-party reviews of all 2014 dam safety inspections for every tailings pond at permitted mines in our province. And this is being done with the support of the Xats'ull First Nation (Soda Creek Indian Band) and the Williams Lake Indian Band.Through all of this, we can't forget that British Columbia was built by resourcebased industries. We owe it to B.C. families who rely on responsible mining operations to ensure the industry continues to be vibrant and attract investment.Scott HamiltonDelta North MLA