I would like to suggest something for the voters of B.C. to consider when deciding who to vote for in May: The current government has established a 20-per -cent refundable mining exploration tax credit, which, for pine beetle affected lands, increases to 30 per cent.
This tax credit runs through to Jan. 17, 2017 and it has already resulted in the best few years ever for investment in mineral exploration in B.C.
Not only has this tax credit resulted in exploration jobs for British Columbians, it has also resulted in increased business for motels, local airlines, community restaurants, and a host of other small businesses that rely on mining exploration activity.
So, what happens if all of this comes to an end after May 14?
We can choose to maintain a strong mining exploration climate by voting for a government that supports the socio-economic well being and economic stability of our communities, or we can turn the clock back to a time when exploration investment, and the jobs it supports, went elsewhere.
For me, it’s not a very hard choice to make and I know which one I will be making in May. How about you?
Randy Rinaldo