B.C. mines minister clarifies criticism of Trudeau over Davos comments

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the 2016 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland
(Photo from PM Trudeau’s official Twitter account)

VANCOUVER—British Columbia’s mines minister is clarifying his position on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s remarks about Canada’s natural-resource economy.

Bill Bennett says the meaning behind his comment was not that Trudeau might come to regret remarks he made in a speech, but that the media may have misquoted the prime minister.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland last week, Trudeau said his predecessor wanted Canada to be known for its resources, but he wants it known for its resourcefulness.

Bennett had originally said he has personally regretted some of the things he has said in the past and perhaps that would be the case for Trudeau in this situation.

The minister also said Canada’s resource sector is one of the most technologically advanced in the world and that its workers are well trained and well educated.

Bennett was speaking with reporters at a provincial mineral-exploration conference in Vancouver.