EDITORIAL & OPINION — COMMENTARY — Old hand in new position

Pundits are still analyzing what Prime Minister Jean Chretien’s Aug. 10 cabinet shuffle means for the next election. Does the shuffle, which saw the appointment of five new cabinet ministers, mean that the prime minister will step aside or run again? Either way, members of the mining industry should be pleased.

In the shuffle, Robert Nault was moved off the backbench and into the cabinet as minister of Indian affairs and northern development. This is good news for Canadians who depend on mining, as Nault’s new responsibilities include issues that are important to the industry.

Nault has always been a friend of the mining industry, and he is a longtime supporter Mining Works for Canada. As one of the program’s first allies on Parliament Hill, he contributed to the success of our Lobby Days. From booking rooms to encouraging colleagues to attend our delegate meetings, Nault played an important role every November.

In the fall of 1998, he was instrumental in securing an audience for mining representatives with Finance Minister Paul Martin and other members of Parliament for the purpose of discussing the possibility of incorporating flow-through shares into the next budget. During his years in politics, Nault has been an advocate for aboriginals and for mining, and we are confident he will bring a balanced approach to his new role. Moreover, the minister has shown he is willing to take a stand on issues he feels are important.

Chretien has placed a strong mining supporter in an important position. Now, more than ever, we must continue our efforts on Parliament Hill. Our longtime friend cannot resolve the difficulties facing our industry on his own; he must have our support.

— The author is program director for Mining Works for Canada, an organization designed to increase awareness of the importance of mining in this country.