Dear Minister Brar,

On behalf of [Business Name], I am writing to express our concern regarding permitting approval and proposed mineral exploration activities within Clayoquot Sound. Tofino would be exposed to all of the risks and none of the economic benefits of mining activities in a biosphere that is interlinked with Tofino's business community. Mining presents a direct threat to the natural beauty visitors come here to see, the water that sustains jobs, Tofino's well-established brand and the long-term plans of the community.

To further illustrate the scale of economic risk and the misalignment with Tofino's economic and community priorities, we highlight the following:

• Economic dependence on a healthy ecosystem: A 2024 Tourism Tofino study found that tourism supports 3,190 direct jobs and $657 million in economic output, which is an economy directly tied to the health of Clayoquot Sound and vulnerable to disruption from mineral activity.
• Direct risk to core industries: Outdoor guiding, water-based recreation, fishing, and Indigenous tourism are highly exposed to water contamination risks (e.g., tailings, acid rock drainage, sediment disruption), with many small operators lacking capacity to absorb environmental damage.
• Reputational risk to destination brand: Tofino's global reputation as a pristine, sustainable destination could be undermined by perceived industrial activity in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• Conflict with established planning frameworks: Proposed exploration is inconsistent with the District of Tofino's Official Community Plan, Tourism Tofino's Destination Stewardship Plan, and the Tla-o-qui-aht Land Vision, all of which prioritize environmental protection and long-term stewardship over extractive industry.
• Restoration work to date: Over the past decade, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation has invested over $5 million in habitat restoration to the watershed directly impacted by this exploration proposal.
• Provincial revenue at stake: Approximately $36 million in annual provincial tax revenue depends on the continued strength of Tofino's economy, which should be weighed against the projected benefits of mineral exploration.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further alongside our key local partners, and to contribute a business perspective to solutions that support long-term economic resilience for this region.

Sincerely,

[Full Name]