Since the Liberal Party came to power in October 2015, PDAC has been building strong relationships with new (and old) Members of Parliament who play a role in the well-being of Canada’s mineral exploration and development industry. These foundations are imperative for enhanced advocacy efforts on behalf of our members. In order to have a voice that is heard and looked to for guidance, we must first be known and have a respectful, responsible relationship among the decision-makers.
After just a few months in his new role, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of Natural Resources, attended the PDAC 2016 Convention to learn more about our sector and the significant role it plays in the economic and social prosperity of this country. Minister Carr seized the opportunity to have his voice heard and spoke at several PDAC functions. In addition, he led the inaugural International Mines Ministers Summit that drew 16 Mines Ministers from around the world.
We always take the opportunity to inform our political leaders of the importance of our industry to the economy of Canada and its people, especially those in the country’s north. Some key figures from recent PDAC meetings include the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Interim Conservative Leader and Leader of the Official Opposition, the Honourabe John McKay, Liberal M.P. Scarborough-Guildwood, and numerous federal advisors to different ministers. The main topics of discussion are the importance of flow-through shares, continuing the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (METC) beyond the one-year extension announced in March, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) best practices for Canadian companies, both here at home and abroad.
On the topic of CSR, PDAC President Bob Schafer and I were honoured to be invited to the 10th annual IFC (a division of the World Bank) Sustainability Exchange in Washington D.C. in May. It was a pleasure to attend this invite-only event and learn some of the cutting-edge, cross-sector exchanges that are happening around the world and to present some of Canada’s own. I was especially impressed and motivated by a presentation titled “Innovation in Practice” by Robert Friedland, Executive Chairman & Founder of Ivanhoe Mines. He has a vision that exploration and mineral extraction plays an important role in helping solve issues faced by society.
It’s been a busy and exciting year so far. As we reach the half way mark— and some warmer weather—it shows no signs of slowing down, and I look forward to seeing what the rest of 2016 brings!