Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the creation of the Canadian International Institute for Extractive Industries and Development. This initiative will build on Canada’s leadership in the mining sector to support and build natural resource management capacity in developing countries. The announcement was made on the margins of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
“Canada has a long and prosperous history in the extraction of natural resources and is proud to share its knowledge, skills and experience with developing countries,” said Prime Minister Harper. “The Institute will help developing nations harness their resources to generate sustainable economic growth, thereby reducing poverty.”
Drawing on lessons learned in Canada in extractive sector management, the Institute will undertake policy research to identify best practices in extractive sector management and arrange technical assistance to governments and communities in developing countries. The Institute will build on the Government’s commitment to help developing countries benefit from their natural resources through better management practices.
Canada welcomes other international efforts in this area, including the recent launch of the Australian Mining for Development Initiative.
