Joint Statement From Canada’s Energy and Mines Ministers

March 4, 2025               Toronto, Ontario                 Natural Resources Canada                                            

Today, federal, provincial and territorial Energy and Mines Ministers met at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Conference 2025 in Toronto to discuss the unjustified tariffs imposed by the United States and issue the following statement:

“With our largest trading partner imposing restrictions on free trade, we will take decisive action to ensure Canadian companies remain competitive and succeed in the global market, including the acceleration of resource development through more efficient and timely permitting and regulatory processes.

“Today, Canada provides the critical minerals our allies, including the United States, rely on for clean energy, defence, and advanced manufacturing. And we will continue to make the case to Americans directly that it is in their interest to partner with a dependable democratic neighbour.

“By accelerating further development, we will unlock new opportunities to meet the growing global demand for critical minerals, supported by our world-class mining expertise and highly skilled workforce. These strengths will enable us to supply ourselves and our allies on the world stage, helping to power our economies and enhance national security.

“Ministers are committed to working together to establish predictable, reliable and timely regulatory processes by urgently eliminating unnecessary overlaps. This collaboration will take place in a way that respects jurisdictional powers of both orders of government.

“Recognizing the rights of Indigenous Peoples, our governments, in line with their respective roles and responsibilities, will continue to work with Indigenous partners to advance economic opportunities that are important to them. Governments will also work with industry and stakeholders to advance economic opportunities offered by Canada’s abundant natural resources while upholding rigorous environmental and labour protections.

“We will continue this urgent work in the days ahead and develop solutions to protect the Canadian economy.”