News Release

Ontario Launches Mining Act Consultations

August 05, 2008

McGuinty Government Aims To Ensure Balanced, Respectful Legislation

NEWS 

The Ontario government is holding a series of public and stakeholder meetings about modernizing the Mining Act.

Facilitated public and stakeholder sessions will be held in Timmins (August 11), Sudbury (August 13), Thunder Bay (August 18), Kingston (August 28) and Toronto (September 8). 

These sessions are the first step in a consultation approach that will also include focused discussions with the minerals industry, municipalities and other stakeholders, First Nations and Métis leaders, as well as input from First Nations communities across Ontario.  On August 11, a discussion paper will be posted for comment on the Environmental Registry and the ministry's web site. 

This process will help ensure that the proposed legislation promotes fair, balanced and sustainable development that benefits all Ontarians.  It supports Premier Dalton McGuinty's July 14 announcement that Ontario is going to modernize the way mining companies stake and explore their claims to be more respectful of Aboriginal communities and private land holders.

QUOTES

“A vibrant mining industry adds wealth to our economy and offers tremendous benefits for our communities,” said Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle. “We want to support that industry with a Mining Act that reflects the values of today’s society.”

QUICK FACTS

• Toronto is the world’s mine financing capital.  In 2006, more than 80 per cent of the global mining industry’s public financings were conducted through the Toronto Stock Exchange. 
• According to Natural Resources Canada, there are about 1,200 Aboriginal communities within 200 km of 190 producing mines and 2,100 exploration properties across Canada.
• The Canadian mining industry was the only industrial sector with average weekly wages above $1,000 in 2006.

LEARN MORE

• Read Ontario's Mining Act
• Learn about Ontario’s Mineral Development Strategy
• The work of the ministry’s Mines and Minerals Division

Anne-Marie Flanagan, Minister’s Office, 416-327-0655

122,