The Northern Miner, first published in 1915, during the Cobalt Silver Rush, is considered Canada’s leading authority on the mining industry.
Sudbury played host to this year’s Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference in late August. The annual gathering of federal and provincial mining and energy ministers is meant to foster discussion and collaboration to advance development across the country.
In a statement released after the meeting, the attendees affirmed their commitment to the following principles:
• The responsible development of Canada’s energy and mines sectors is critical to our economic competitiveness, job creation and long-term prosperity
• Provincial and territorial governments will work with the federal government in support of Canada’s commitment to establish new mandatory reporting standards for Canadian extractive companies, with a view to enhancing transparency of payments made to governments
• The continued advancement of energy infrastructure (e.g., oil, gas, electricity, etc.) projects is fundamental to gain access to new markets and generate economic growth and revenue for critical social programs
• Progress is being made by all levels of government in implementing regulatory reform in a way that ensures the environment is protected
• Strengthening co-operation between the federal, provincial and territorial governments is critical to ensuring world-class safety for energy transportation
• Effective engagement is essential to ensure aboriginal communities benefit fully from responsible resource development. The mineral sector continues to be the largest private employer of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada
• Continued collaboration on responsible energy use is important in providing energy and cost savings to consumers and industry, as well as contributing to meeting environmental objectives
The ministers also highlighted the following priorities requiring their continued collaboration and support:
• Reinforcing the diversification of our natural resources by ensuring the safe transport of resources by pipeline, marine and rail, including the implementation of federal legislation to build upon our world-class energy transportation system
• Enhancing Aboriginal participation in energy and mining projects is critical in developing Canada’s natural resources
• Exploring the framework to promote the long-term competitiveness of Canada’s junior mining sector in co-operation with stakeholders
• Highlighting Canada’s position as a responsible resource supplier and a global leader in energy efficiency and conservation, thereby attracting investment critical to the development and diversification of our resources
• Reinforcing Canada’s role in strengthening global energy security by providing access to expertise and natural resources
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