The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) has congratulated Mark Carney, prime minister-designate, on winning the election and expressed willingness to collaborate with the new government to promote responsible mining and critical minerals development in the country.
In a press release, the association said it looked forward to working with all the parties involved to make mining in Canada more competitive and attractive to investors. The association also intends to meet with the newly elected members of all parties to discuss the sector’s importance and help optimally position it for success.
“Canada’s mining industry is well placed to provide the materials, including critical minerals, essential to healthcare, communications and low carbon technologies and our sector would benefit from strategic government supports to ensure we are able to seize the opportunity before us,” said Pierre Gratton, MAC president and CEO, in the press release.
Gratton noted that the Liberal platform includes plans to improve Canada’s mining industry through infrastructure investments to facilitate trade, new and expanded tax measures to make the industry more competitive, and support for Indigenous communities to participate in natural resources projects.
“Taken together, all of these will attract more investment and help bring more mines into production,” Gratton said in the press release.
Gratton welcomed commitments by both the Liberals and Conservatives aiming to accelerate project reviews. Gratton added that the association plans to assist the new Parliament in ensuring this happens responsibly.
The association thanked all outgoing MPs for supporting the country’s mining industry over the years.
Mining outlook
“Mining is one of the most economically significant sectors in Canada and contributes $117 billion to the country’s GDP and accounts for 21% of the value of Canadian goods exported,” Gratton said in the association’s press release. “Canadian mining is also an important employer, accounting for one in every 30 jobs across the country.”
The mining sector in Canada features some of the lowest carbon-intensive mines around the globe, owing to the country’s wealth in clean energy, the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative, and companies’ implementation of low-emission technologies at their sites, the association’s press release said.
In its press release, the association said it wants to see Canada’s mining industry become the supplier of choice for minerals and metals needed for defence, semi-conductors, energy, and other clean technologies.