VICTORIA— The B.C. Liberal Government decision to appoint a panel to conduct an independent investigation of the Mount Polley tailings pond failure is a good first step says New Democrat mining spokesperson Norm Macdonald.

“A fully independent investigation is a good first step to restoring public confidence in our mining industry. We’re glad to see this panel appointed,” said Macdonald. “However, we remain concerned that the minister continues to claim his ministry is not at fault. We are also disappointed that the B.C. Liberal government continues to refuse to release documents related to this mine to the public.

“All documents related to the safety of this mine and its tailing pond need to be released immediately, and as they are uncovered. We asked for the basic mine permit almost two weeks ago and haven’t received it, and we know the Olding report sat on the minister’s desk for 3 years and still hasn’t been released to the public. That approach isn’t going to fly this time around.”

Macdonald said he is pleased that the Minister of Energy and Mines, Bill Bennett, has finally appeared to stop minimizing the Mount Polley tailings pond breach.

“The minister’s first statement said that this breach involved nothing but some water and sand. Then he said it was no worse than a natural avalanche. Today, he is finally, rightfully calling this breach a disaster,” said Macdonald.

“Unfortunately, he said today that he doesn’t think his ministry will be found at fault in this disaster, once again jumping to conclusions before all the facts are in.

“Full accountability doesn’t stop with appointing a panel to investigate – the minister must wait to hear what the panel says before finding his ministry free from blame, and he must also immediately release all permits, requests, reports, and inspection documents related to Mount Polley, and pledge to release all documents uncovered by the investigation, along with the report, as soon as they are available.”