VANCOUVER, B.C. (October 25, 2026): The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) congratulates Lorne Doerkson and the BC Conservatives on forming British Columbia’s next government. We also thank every candidate, of every party, who put their name forward.
Every mine in British Columbia started as an exploration project. Exploration supports thousands of jobs, many in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, and it is the first step toward mining the critical minerals Canada and its allies need.
During the campaign, the Conservatives committed to firm permitting timelines set in law, an expanded Mining Exploration Tax Credit, and faster decisions on projects in partnership with First Nations. These are the right priorities. AME looks forward to working with the new government and a newly named Minister of Mines to deliver them quickly, with a focus on:
- Predictable permitting for exploration, with timelines that are met
- Reliable access to land, built on early and genuine partnerships with First Nations
- A competitive investment climate, including an expanded Mining Exploration Tax Credit and a continued strong provincial voice in Ottawa for the Canadian Exploration Expense
“British Columbians have elected a government that has made mining a priority, and our members are ready to help deliver on that,” said Todd Stone, President and CEO, AME. “The next generation of B.C. mines will be found by the explorers working today. We want to get them back in the field, with the certainty they need to invest here and secure our domestic supply chain for future generations.”