Investment in mineral resource development must be balanced with reasonable regulation and the maximizing of benefits to local communities, Sudbury Councillor Dave Kilgour told the House of Commons Standing Committee on Natural Resources.
Kilgour was asked to speak on behalf of the city Feb. 16 as the committee considers the federal government's role in the development of the Ring of Fire. The committee studies and reports on the activities and spending of the Department of Natural Resources, its portfolio and related bills.
Pointing to Sudbury's long history of mining, Kilgour said the city offers a “unique perspective” on mineral resource development.
Canada needs a national mining strategy that recognizes modern-day mining practices, he said. Global mining companies with capital should be able to invest in Canada, but the government must also ensure that “Canada's natural resources are developed in a way that benefits the region and province in which they are found,” Kilgour said. “This balance is challenging to achieve but is critical to the long-term future of our resource sector.”
An historic opportunity awaits Canada within the next 10 to 20 years as global demand for commodities will push forward the expansion of the mining sector, he added.
“The challenge for the federal government is to respond with a regulatory regime that protects the legitimate interests of Canadians while encouraging timely development,” Kilgour said.
While there should be opportunities for foreign workers, the government should ensure a “robust local workforce development prior to moving offshore,” he added.
Kilgour also encouraged the federal government to help counter misperceptions about the modern-day mining industry. The days of high sulphur dioxide emissions, uncontrolled dust and untreated tailings drainage are gone, and environmental reclamation, including the planting of almost 10 million trees, has gone a long way to neutralizing acidic soils and improving lake water quality, Kilgour added.
“Today's Canadian mining industry has changed dramatically from the practices of the past and operates in a manner that is sensitive to the environment and to its local host communities,” Kilgour told the committee. “It offers excellent employment opportunities for educated and skilled workers and will provide important economic development opportunities for Northern Canada.”
Kilgour encouraged the federal government to partner with other levels of government and the private sector on infrastructure investments that will help move forward the industry, as well as benefit the communities in which it is operating.
He offered as examples the development of the Maley Drive extension in Sudbury and the connection of the Ring of Fire transportation corridor to James Bay communities.
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