Mining lobbists get access to Ontario government as six First Nation leaders sit in jail
While six First Nation leaders sit in jail because the mining industry and the government insist on drilling and exploring on First Nation traditional lands, Ontario government officials get wined and dined by mining industry ...
Contributions of Mining Sector Celebrated at Queen´s Park
The contributions of the mining industry to Ontario´s society and development were celebrated last evening at Queen´s Park at the Ontario Mining Association´s annual Meet the Miners event. All major political parites had representatives on hand to participate in the proceedings.
OMA Chairman and Executive Vice President for De Beers Canada Jeremy Wyeth reminded the audience of about 200 people that "for many parts of Northern Ontario and particularly among First Nations mining plays a key role in regional development and the provision of education and training and for providing employment and entrepreneurial opportunities." He referred the audience to a recent magazine editorial, which declared "a modern mine can be one of the best neighbours a community can have."
OMA President Chris Hodgson reviewed some of the highlights of the Association´s initiatives over the past year including the new Skills Canada Ontario employment profile book, which features a large section on mining industry jobs. He also acknowledged a number of people in the audience including Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Chairman Steve Mahoney, Skills Canada Ontario Executive Director Gail Smyth and mining poet and author Susan Ioannou.
Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle made his first ministerial statement in the Legislature yesterday and welcomed a mining audience to the gallery. "I am pleased to rise in the House today and to inform members of the record breaking levels of activity and investment that are being achieved in Ontario´s mineral development industry. Today, I will join industry partners for "Meet the Miners Day" at Queen´s Park," he said in the statement. "We will be reminded that Ontario´s mining industry produced an estimated $10.7 billion worth of minerals in 2007 and that mining continues to be a pillar of our economy, sustaining some 100,000 direct and indirect jobs."
At the Meet the Miners event, he added that "It is an extraordinary time to be Minister of Northern Development and Mines. I consider myself to be an advocate for the industry but I am cognizant of the challenges we face." The Progressive Conservative Party Leader in the Legislature Bob Runciman was enjoying his 27th anniversary as an MPP. "Nothing matches the reception of the miners and we appreciate the contributions of the mining industry in Ontario," he said.
NDP Leader Howard Hampton stated that "coming from Northern Ontario, I understand the importance of the mining industry and I want to see continued mining development in Ontario. Mining is an industry that is going to continue to be important in this province, this country and the world." Mr. Hampton has 55 First Nations communities in his riding and 25 of them are remote fly-in towns and he would like to see improved relationships with these First Nations.
The Meet the Miners reception provides an opportunity for senior mining industry representatives to meet with Cabinet Ministers, MPPs, political staff and senior public servants. The goal is to provide two-way communications and help politicians gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the vital role of mining and to help miners learn more about the political process. The OMA and its President Chris Hodgson would like to thank all participants for their involvement and their support of mining.