Opinion: BC needs leadership vision for sustained economic prosperity – Vancouver Sun

The new Fortis B.C. liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage plant at Mount Hayes near Ladysmith. Ian Smith / Vancouver Sun

B.C.s urban-rural divide is quickly emerging as an explainer for divided provincial election results, with the starkly contrasting colours of the new, but unsettled, electoral map providing the evidence.

Within this, the role of natural resources is seen by some as a source of conflict. Political scientist Norman Ruff of the University of Victoriashared that viewpoint in tryingto distinguish rural and urban voting trends for The Vancouver Sun: While one lags behind in its continued dependence on adwindling natural-resource-based economy, and in a sense still looksbackward for its future, the other continues an exponential growth indiversity and enjoys a transition to an entirely new economy.

Drawing on similar thinking is B.C. Green party Leader Andrew Weaver. He argues a new approach is needed because its an economic fallacy to think we can continue to grow forever in the current mode. This will inevitably lead to collapse, he recently told The Suns editorial board. Yet in the next breath, the newly powerful MLA said that if we follow his solution of a non-carbon-emitting energy system, hes looking forward to a future of massive economic growth that will make earlier industrial revolutions pale in comparison.

Is the resource-based economy really backward-looking? And what exactly is this new economy to be based on in the era of global trade?

The stunning success at the polls of the Green party May 9 shows that lots of people are troubled by these same questions and are searching for answers.

The first thing to know about B.C.s resource economy is that its changing and growing, with environmental protection at the top of the list. Its potential to be a key driver of any green Industrial Revolution is clear.

B.C. is in a position today to leverage its positive global brand in natural resources to increase access for technology companies into opportunities in natural-resource sectors globally and, in so doing, grow B.C.s exports.

Forestry jobs are up in the past five years. Progress in building an LNG export industry is tangible and real because our natural gas continues to interest foreign buyers who require affordable and cleaner energy solutions.

A recent study by the David Suzuki Foundation found that in B.C.s gas-producing region new infrastructure emits barely any harmful methane emissions, stating that B.C. has generally been very progressive on many issues of environmental stewardship.

Plans to export crude oil safely to new foreign markets will ensure that Canadians acquire a high level of economic benefit from a non-renewable resource.

Our resource sector produces the worlds cleanest aluminum at a time when its needed for electric cars and a thousand other uses. Our rich copper deposits are essential for the growth of all types of clean energy and high technology.

B.C. has become a world leader not just in producing valuable export commodities, but also in sendingbrainpower abroad to help others be as green as we are.The recent Resource Works Naturally Resourceful series looked at companies, including Inuktun Systems, Inventys and SOFTAC Systems, that exemplify this trend.

Voters of all parties think a green resource economy is possible. Many are aware that resource jobs pay the best of any industry, are the most productive and are the most likely to be full-time. An economic study conducted for Resource Works showed that growth in resource exports is directly linked to new jobs for nurses, teachers, real estate agents, insurance brokers, tourism and factory workers, and many other occupations.

Despite evidence of a divide, residents regardless of where they live in the province do share some ideas about the economic future. Earlier this year, polling firm Ipsos, on our behalf, took a look at the state of the resource debate. Highlights:

Eighty-fourper cent agreed that its possible to create green jobs and grow the green economy within B.C.s natural-resource sector. Eighty-threeper centagreed that natural-resource development creates opportunities and hope for B.C.s future. Seventy-sixper cent agreed that B.C.s natural-resource sector creates good opportunities for employment in high-tech jobs.

The public is clearly not sold on the idea that our future in this material world can be created without materials. Resources are needed now more than ever. When it comes to spinning good jobs and environmental protection from the resource economy, it doesnt get any better than B.C.

Clearly, there is work to be done. Fewer than half of British Columbians surveyed agreed that the debate and discussion about natural-resource development in the province is accurately described as transparent or co-operative. (Regulatory agencies, take note.)

The urban-rural divide is a problem, but not a solution. For these challenging political times were going to need a better grasp of how to create a winning solution that benefits all.

The next provincial government should consider a co-ordinated government-industry effort based on a common vision. A cohesive approach can lead to pilot projects showing how B.C.s innovative resource technologies can flourish in target markets like China, Japan, India and the U.S., based on relationships already established through todays trade.

Well have to get better at developing products that link our local technologies with the needs of customers. This will take unprecedented collaboration.

Lets not leave the outcome to chance. A leadership vision that provides a unified direction for sustained and green economic prosperity is one thing politicians from all parties should be eager to embrace.

Stewart Muir is executive director of the Resource Works Society based in Vancouver.

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Opinion: BC needs leadership vision for sustained economic prosperity - Vancouver Sun