AME Congratulates Elected Members of B.C.'s Legislative Assembly

VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - May 10, 2017) - The Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) congratulates the newly elected and re-elected Members of B.C.'s Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the May 9 provincial election.

"On behalf of AME's more than 4,000 corporate and individual members, I wish to congratulate the newly elected and re-elected Members of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia," says Gavin C. Dirom, President & CEO of AME. "We appreciate the commitment of MLAs to support the mineral exploration and development industry that was expressed before, and during, the election campaign. AME looks forward to working with the B.C. government to take advantage of the ongoing recovery and growth in the globally competitive mineral exploration and development industry."

The election follows a series of important government announcements this year that support mineral exploration and development in B.C., namely the extension of the B.C. mining flow-through share tax credit through December 31, 2017 and the expansion of the B.C. mining exploration tax credit to include costs incurred for environmental studies and community consultations. The provincial government also announced $10 million to fund Geoscience BC for two years to stimulate further investment in mineral exploration and increased funding of $18 million to the Ministry of Energy and Mines over the next three years to support mine permitting and oversight, including compliance and enforcement.

AME also thanks all outgoing MLAs for their honourable service during the 40th Parliament, and looks forward to continuing a constructive relationship with the B.C. government. "We appreciated their backing of AME's policy recommendations and advocacy efforts to improve access to capital, access to geoscience and access to land, particularly from Mr. Bill Bennett as Minister of Energy and Mines who steadfastly supported the industry during turbulent times," notes Dirom. "AME looks forward to working with the next minister and all MLAs as we continue to build a strong, resilient and responsible mineral exploration and development industry for the benefit of all British Columbians."

Read the positions of the B.C. Greens, B.C. Liberals and B.C. NDP on mineral exploration as provided to AME here: http://bit.ly/2oR3434.

ABOUT AME

AME is the lead association for the mineral exploration and development industry based in British Columbia. Established in 1912, AME represents, advocates, protects and promotes the interests of thousands of members who are engaged in mineral exploration and development in British Columbia and throughout the world. AME encourages a safe, economically strong and environmentally responsible industry by providing clear initiatives, policies, events and tools to support its membership.