Ontario political leaders meet the miners

Politicians usually don’t have much trouble finding something to dispute, but in this case the decision was unanimous. At the Ontario Mining Association’s Meet the Miners event at Queen’s Park in Toronto, held in May 2006, the leaders of the province’s three major political parties each demonstrated their support for the mining sector. Liberal Leader (and Premier) Dalton McGuinty, Progressive Conservative Leader John Tory and NDP Leader Howard Hampton all were participants in the OMA event.

The event started in the afternoon, when Minister of Northern Development & Mines, Rick Bartolucci, made a strong statement in the Legislature concerning the contributions of mining to society and the economy of Ontario. From his seat on the floor of the Legislature, Bartolucci acknowledged the presence of a contingent from the OMA in the gallery. Later on, at the “Meet the Miners” reception, he stressed “the need for us all to understand how important this industry is to Ontario and to Canada.” He thanked the industry for its involvement in initiatives such as the Ontario Mineral Development Strategy and the Ontario Mineral Industry Cluster Council, and for its stewardship.

Tory congratulated the industry on its contribution to Ontario. He spoke about his visits to mining operations in the province, and learning about the high-tech nature of the industry and its multiplier effect through machinery producers and supply and service companies. “The visits have helped me understand this is a vital industry for all of Ontario,” he said. “There are opportunities ahead, and we have the chance to export our mining expertise around the world. Mining will have its ups and downs, but it is a business that needs certainty and stability where it operates.”

Then came Hampton’s turn. “Mining produces things that society needs; you cannot run a modern society without the products of mining,” he said to the audience of about 150 in the reception at the Legislature. “This is an industry we want to keep in Ontario and keep in Canada. Mining has a long history but it also has an excellent future, and that is good for the people of Ontario.” Hampton also encouraged the mining industry to promote alliances with First Nations communities and to continue striving for a reliable and competitively priced supply of electricity in the province.

OMA president Chris Hodgson had started the proceedings with comments on the industry’s strong and improving safety performance, its economic contribution, the employment opportunities the sector offers, the long timeframe it needs and how capital-intensive it is. He thanked the three main political parties in Ontario for their interest in and support for mining, and noted that the perception of mining “has moved from being a sunset to a sunrise industry.” Hodgson pointed out the multiple uses of mineral products in our lives, and reminded the audience that Canada is a world leader in two arenas–mining and women’s hockey.

The annual “Meet the Miners” event provides an opportunity for senior mining industrialists to meet with Ontario’s cabinet ministers, MPPs, political staff and senior public servants. The goal is to promote two-way communications: to help politicians gain a greater appreciation of the vital role of mining, and to help miners learn more about the political process. Judging from the feedback of both groups, it appears progress is being made.CMJ

Peter McBride is the manager of communications for the Ontario Mining Association and can be reached at pmcbride@oma.on.ca or 416-364-9301.