British Columbia is rich in the minerals the world needs for the energy transition, technological and economic growth, and national security. Yet despite billions in proposed mining projects, progress remains slow. Why? A slow and uncertain permitting and authorizations process, First Nations capacity challenges, and delivery models that no longer fit today’s expectations.
Traditional project delivery — where companies design the project on their own, consult with First Nations later, and move through permitting and construction in isolated steps — isn’t aligned with modern requirements for early partnership, shared decision-making, and integrated project planning.
Join Michael Goehring, president of MABC and industry leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders for a candid round table discussion on what it will take to move BC’s mining projects from concept to reality. Together, we’ll tackle the tough questions:
How do we overcome permitting paralysis and restore confidence in timelines? How do we balance environmental safeguards and Indigenous rights with project development? How can we accelerate development plans and reduce project risk earlier in the cycle?
Panelists
Ron Ezekiel is a Partner at Fasken specializing in Mining, Infrastructure & Energy. He advises clients on regulatory approvals, compliance risk, M&A transactions, and the negotiation of complex agreements, including Indigenous partnership and equity arrangements, across all stages of project development and operations. Ron is known for leading collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams and integrating commercial, regulatory, environmental, and Indigenous considerations into practical, business-focused solutions. He has been recognized as Best Lawyers in Canada Vancouver Energy Law “Lawyer of the Year” (2018, 2023) for his outcome-driven advice and commitment to client service.
Taylor Smith is Director of Business Development at Tahltan Nation Development Corporation (TNDC), the business arm of the Tahltan Nation. He leads revenue growth across TNDC’s heavy civil construction operations, provides executive oversight to the aviation and aggregates divisions, and drives new business opportunities. Previously, as General Manager, Taylor oversaw TNDC’s self-perform operations, generating more than $100M in revenue in 2024. Founded in 1985, TNDC advances Tahltan economic participation by creating employment, training, and contracting opportunities for Tahltan members.
Ward Prystay is a Senior Vice President and regulatory specialist in Stantec’s Burnaby office. His practice focuses on planning, environmental assessment, permitting, and construction environmental management for major projects in the mining, energy, and ports sectors. Ward has served as an expert witness, presented to Canadian Senate subcommittees on federal environmental assessment legislation, and advised on changes to BC’s Environmental Assessment Act. He works closely with proponents, Indigenous groups, and government agencies to help clients navigate complex regulatory processes in British Columbia.
Martin Turenne is President and CEO of FPX Nickel Corp., leading the development of the PFS-stage Baptiste Nickel Project in central British Columbia. He is a seasoned mining executive with extensive experience in company leadership, project development and financing, corporate governance, Indigenous relations, and government advocacy. A CPA, CA, Martin has 20 years of experience across the resources sector, from exploration-stage juniors to multinational producers. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and earned his professional designation at KPMG Vancouver LLP.
Moderator
Michael Goehring is President and CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC). Michael brings BC’s mining sector vision, strategic leadership and decades of experience advising leading natural resource firms in BC and across Canada. Michael works directly with his members to develop and advocate for sound public policy solutions that will position BC as a leading global supplier of responsibly produced critical minerals and metals to meet Canada’s decarbonization, technology and national security objectives. Active in the community, Michael served as VP of the Vancouver Thunderbirds Minor Hockey Association and president of the Turning Point Recovery Society.
Thank you, PCL and Stantec, for your generous sponsorship of this event!
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