Minister Rickford Marks National Mining Week

Statement

Ottawa
Natural Resources Canada

The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, today issued the following statement in recognition of National Mining Week, which takes place May 12 to 18.

“Each year, we celebrate National Mining Week to recognize Canada’s international leadership and expertise in mining and the vital role mining plays in our economy and in our lives.

“Mining matters to Canadians and our economy. The mining and mineral processing industries provide employment for nearly 400,000 Canadians, including many Aboriginal and northern communities. Canada is one of the world’s largest producers of minerals and metals, and mining and mineral processing contributes $60 billion to Canada’s GDP. Mining workers and communities across Canada can count on our Government’s support for this vital engine of economic growth.

“In Economic Action Plan 2014, our Government extended the 15 percent Mineral Exploration Tax Credit to help junior mining companies finance exploration activities. In 2013, we committed an additional $100 million to renew the Geo-Mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) Program that helps target new exploration in the North. Moving forward, we will continue to work to attract investment, support innovation, open new markets and improve the regulatory system for major mining projects to maintain Canada’s position as a global mining leader.

“Through our plan for Responsible Resource Development, we are strengthening environmental protection in the mining sector. For example, the Green Mining Initiative is reducing the environmental impacts of mining through the development of innovative energy-efficient technologies. Our Government is also enhancing consultations and engagement with Aboriginal Peoples, while ensuring that Canada’s regulatory regime is among the most efficient, effective and competitive in the world.

“Canada’s mining sector is a leader in transparency, accountability and good governance. Our Government will further enhance accountability in our extractive sector by developing mandatory standards requiring companies to report payments made to all levels of government at home and abroad. This commitment builds on Canada’s reputation as a global leader in responsible resource development.

“This week, please join me in recognizing the vital role mining plays in the Canadian economy and in the lives of Canadians.”

Contacts

Media may contact:

Alexandra Lemieux
Press Secretary
Office of Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources
613-996-2007

Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447

The general public may contact:

Mon.–Fri., 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. EDT
Telephone: 613-995-0947
TTY: 613-996-4397
(teletype for the hearing-impaired)
E-mail: questions@nrcan.gc.ca

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