AME BC: Mineral Explorers Support BC Budget 2012

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 21, 2012) - The Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC) expressed its support of the BC government's Budget 2012 that was released today. The budget is focused on fiscal discipline in recognition of uncertain global economic activity. AME BC expressed its support for initiatives underway to encourage a strong BC mineral exploration and development sector and build upon the record mineral exploration expenditures of $463 million achieved in BC in 2011.

"The fiscally responsible provincial budget released today will help the government continue its proactive role in encouraging more mineral exploration in British Columbia," stated Gavin C. Dirom, President and CEO of AME BC. "We have been encouraged by the government's strategic measures to reduce red tape and develop BC as a magnet for global investment. These measures include reducing the backlog of notices of work permit applications by 80 per cent by the end of August 2012, investing $12 million in Geoscience BC and continued funding for regional government geologists to improve the public's and industry's understanding of BC's mineral development potential and land use opportunities."

Finance Minister Kevin Falcon today firmly expressed the provincial government's commitment to balance the budget by 2013/14 and reinforce awareness of British Columbia as a safe harbour for investment. The budget includes the continuation of the lowest corporate income taxes in Canada at 10 per cent, and continuation of the small business corporate income tax rate at 2.5 per cent.

AME BC looks forward to the development and release of the Aboriginal Post-Secondary Education and Training Framework and Action Plan, which is proposed to increase participation rates, learning outcomes and economic and social opportunities for Aboriginal learners. AME BC also encourages the provincial government to fund innovative programs such as the BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association that is providing successful job-training solutions to address the anticipated labour shortage of 10,000 workers over the next 10 years in BC's mineral exploration and mining industry.

"BC has the mineral resources the world needs," remarked Dirom. "These natural resources belong to every British Columbian, and today's budget helps to ensure that the government is creating a prudent economic climate that attracts further investment to successfully and responsibly explore for and develop BC's mineral resources for the benefit of every family in the province."

About AME BC:

AME BC is the predominant voice of mineral exploration and development in British Columbia. Established in 1912, AME BC represents over 4,700 members including geoscientists, prospectors, engineers, entrepreneurs, exploration companies, suppliers, mineral producers and associations who are engaged in mineral exploration and mine development in BC and throughout the world.