March 3, 2014
Toronto Natural Resources Canada
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Joe Oliver, today spoke at the opening ceremony of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada’s (PDAC) International Convention, Trade Show & Investors Exchange. Minister Oliver outlined the government’s achievements in making Canada one of the most attractive countries in the world for business and investment. Calling Canada the mining capital of the world, the Minister highlighted action to strengthen and grow the mining industry, including:
- the Government’s plan for Responsible Resource Development, ensuring world-class environmental protection while providing certainty for investors;
- a $100 million commitment over the next seven years for the Geo-Mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) Plan, helping exploration companies find deposits and create jobs;
- extending the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit in Economic Action Plan 2014, which has helped junior exploration companies raise $5 billion in capital; and,
- pursuing an aggressive international free trade agenda, including the conclusion of a comprehensive free trade deal with the European Union – the largest economy in the world
Minister Oliver also discussed the Government’s efforts to implement transparency and accountability through mandatory reporting standards for Canadian extractive companies. He encouraged provinces and territories to play a leadership role and enact their own equivalent legislation, but noted that if equivalent standards are not implemented the federal government will enact legislation by April 1, 2015, to move this initiative forward.
While at PDAC, Minister Oliver moderated a roundtable with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the mining industry to discuss Responsible Resource Development and the current challenges and opportunities facing the industry. In addition, Minister Oliver hosted a roundtable discussion with junior mining companies to promote the benefits of geoscience and discuss issues facing the junior sector. He also hosted a roundtable with major and mid-tier companies.
Joe Oliver Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources
Melissa Lantsman Director of Communications Office of Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources 613-996-2007
Media Relations Natural Resources Canada Ottawa 613-992-4447
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