Quotes accompanying announcement of independent enquiry into Mt Polley dam breach

Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Responsible for Core Review −

“We have a responsibility, as the jurisdiction where this failure took place, to find out exactly why it happened, ensure it never happens again and take a leadership role internationally in learning from this serious incident.”

“Mining is a critical industry in British Columbia, supporting dozens of communities and thousands of families. The independent engineering investigation and third-party reviews of Dam Safety Inspections for every permitted tailings facility in the province will get the answers necessary to provide public confidence following this serious incident.”

Chief Bev Sellars, Soda Creek Indian Band −

“There is no doubt in anyone’s minds that this is the worst mining disaster to ever occur in this province. Our nations and all British Columbians have raised questions as to how such a disaster could occur. With this independent investigation, we will all get the answers we need and deserve. We look forward to receiving the results of the investigation and taking action to ensure an accident like this this never happens again.”

Chief Ann Louie, Williams Lake Indian Band −

“An independent engineering investigation is a crucial process required to understand the cause of this breach. However, it is merely a first step in understanding the broader implications of this disaster. Many questions will remain regarding the long-term impacts to our communities and environment.”

Dirk Van Zyl, professor, UBC, Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, member of independent engineering investigation panel −

“The failure of the tailings facility at Mount Polley was a dark day for the mining industry not only here in British Columbia, but worldwide. It’s extremely important for us to understand how this breach happened and why so that we can move forward with the best possible practices in ongoing and future mining operations.”

Ann English, P.Eng., CEO, Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC −

"As the regulator for engineering and geoscience in B.C., we expect resource development projects to be conducted safely and professionally. We are committed to upholding high standards of professional practice for B.C. engineers and geoscientists as they undertake their work. The public has a right to know what happened at Mt. Polley, and it is our hope that the inquiry will bring all the facts to light so we can ensure an accident like this never happens again."

Al Richmond, chair, Cariboo Regional District −

“Our communities, the various agencies, and the Province have responded to this serious incident and are doing everything necessary to protect our residents and return to a sense of normalcy.” We need to get the bottom of why this occurred and ensure it doesn’t happen again. Minister Bennett’s decision to order an independent engineering investigation will find those answers and give all parties confidence in the results.”

Learn More:

For a collection of documents from government and partners surrounding the Mount Polley breach click here.