WHITEHORSE - Mines ministers from the Government of
Canada, the provinces and the territories concluded the
63rd Annual Mines Ministers' Conference yesterday by agreeing to
a mining Action Plan for Canada.
The federal-provincial-territorial Action Plan will guide intergovernmental
initiatives that are critical to the long-term future of the industry. The goals
of the agreement are to strengthen the competitiveness of the minerals and
metals industry and to deliver benefits to mining communities across the
country.
The ministers pointed to the importance of focussing on clear priorities:
advancing the Cooperative Geological Mapping Strategies and improving the
regulatory process. The ministers agreed that work be undertaken to improve the
efficiency of the regulatory process and the addition of specific timelines for
project approvals, while recognizing that environmental protection must continue
to be pursued in a rigorous manner.
The ministers issued the following statement: "Mining is a driving force in
the Canadian economy. It powers the financial sector and provides significant
employment across the country in rural, remote, Aboriginal and northern
communities, as well as in large urban centres. It also drives export growth,
not only in the minerals and metals sector but also in the service, supply and
equipment industries. For Canada to remain a competitive world leader in mining,
we need to focus our priorities on innovation, capacity building, improving the
taxation and fiscal climate for investment, and branding Canada in international
markets. To do this, we are working collaboratively, so that communities in
every province and territory can prosper."
The ministers agreed that governments have an important role to play in
setting the foundation for a competitive industry. The three themes of the
Action Plan are essential to the industry's competitiveness, building on the
2005 Conference, which focused on taking steps to advance viable mining
communities.
The annual Mines Ministers' Conference allows industry representatives,
stakeholders and governments to continue the dialogue about the minerals and
metals industry in Canada. It helps ensure that there are opportunities for
Canadians now and in the future.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Canada 's mines ministers have agreed to a new intergovernmental mining
action plan to strengthen the competitiveness of the minerals and metals
industry and deliver benefits to mining communities. The agreement calls for
efforts to improve the industry in three theme areas.
For more information, media may contact:
Ghyslain Charron Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada Ottawa 613-992-4447
Emma Welford Director of Communications
Office of the Minister Natural Resources Canada Ottawa
613-996-2007
Peter Carr Cabinet Communications Advisor
Yukon Energy, Mines & Resources 867-667-8688 peter.carr@gov.yk.ca
Bonnie King Yukon Energy, Mines &
Resources 867-667-5307 Bonnie.King@gov.yk.ca
