International trade top of mind as resource leaders, politicians converge in Prince George, B.C.
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More than 1,600 delegates from industry and politics are gathering in Prince George, B.C., this week to discuss the future of energy, mining and trade against the backdrop of a trade war with the United States.
The B.C. Natural Resources Forum, now in its 23rd year, describes itself as the largest gathering of its kind in western Canada, attracting leaders from the natural resources sector as well as First Nations, local governments, and provincial and federal representatives.
A theme throughout some of the scheduled events is that of how best to get both political and social buy-in for major projects, and opportunities for international trade as Canada seeks to diversify opportunities outside of the United States.
Among those attending will be B.C. Premier David Eby, fresh off a trade mission to India, who will be providing an address over dinner Tuesday night.
“I think the audience is really interested to hear what he has to say and what we can expect for 2026,” said the forum’s advisory committee chair Sarah Weber. She expects his remarks to touch both on that India mission as well as the future of the province’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People’s Act (DRIPA).
Eby has previously remarked he is open to modifying the act in order to put more power over resource projects in the hands of the province, rather than the courts.
Historically, Eby has used the forum to outline his key goals on energy in the province, from announcing a $36 billion expansion to the province’s electricity system in 2024 to hinting at a ban of exporting rare minerals to the United States in 2025.
Also in attendance will be Energy Minister Adrian Dix, who is set to appear alongside representatives from B.C. Hydro and Ksi Lisims LNG for an energy announcement in northwest B.C.
Weber says a record number of delegates will be attending, including from the United States and Australia, as well as chiefs and councillors from different Indigenous governments who will share their perspective on managing resource projects in their territory.
“It’s really a gathering place for this in this sector to get together and talk about the opportunities and challenges as they exist.”
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