If mining can’t meet environmental standards diamond drilling’s

The state of our natural environment has become a pressing public concern, both here in Canada and around the world. It is clear that decisive action must be taken to protect the environment, and I believe the mining industry has an important role to play in this regard.

Diamond drillers can take some comfort in the fact that exploration drilling has a minor environmental impact. On the other hand, drillers clearly rely on a healthy mining industry to remain active and prosperous. If a project is stalled, or if exploration is prohibited in a particular area for environmental reasons, the drilling industry cannot help but be affected.

One of the underlying principles of the Federal Government’s Green Plan is the concept of “sustainable de- velopment.” This concept is a major topic of debate in boardrooms both here in Canada and abroad.

Many Green Plan initiatives will affect the mining industry some in a marginal way but others quite dramatically. Among other things, there will clearly be a more rigorous approach to environmental regulation designed to protect Canada’s air, land and water. While industry recognizes the need for greater environmental protection in some cases, it is understandably concerned that regulations do not become so onerous as to place it in an unfair competitive disadvantage vis-a-vis its international competitors.

This is a concern shared by all industrial sectors.

For Canadians and for countries around the world the challenge is to realize and implement the concept of sustainable development. The goal is to ensure the integrity of the environment, today and in the future, without compromising the economic prosperity required to pay for this healthier environment.

This is a difficult challenge. But it is not a challenge that can be side-stepped.

As the Green Plan represents the government’s environmental action plan, details for many of the Green Plan initiatives will only evolve over time, and will be developed only after consultation with all stakeholders. Having said this, we should all be aware of how government and industry can address our environmental issues.

Unfortunately, the minerals and metals industry today is still perceived by many Canadians as a major environmental culprit. In my view, this reputation is not only unearned, but also outdated.

The facts are that when a mine or metal processing facility is operating, there is often an impact on the local environment. But with innovative rehabilitation techniques, a mine site can often be returned to very close to its original state. Also, extensive research and development is underway to provide good environmental solutions where a return to original conditions is not possible.

We must still deal with the negative public image of mining and this is based on a number of factors. First, I would note the historical baggage that all resource sectors, including mining must bear in terms of past environmental practices. Second, the misinformation and selective misuse of often incomplete data by some critics of mining and other resource industries.

Finally, a point that Tom Waterland, president of the Mining Association of British Columbia noted in an address to the Canadian Diamond Drilling Association last year. Quite simply, it is that most Canadians live in large urban centres, and have lost touch with the fact that “all wealth comes from the earth and the resources that are contained in, and supported by, the earth.”

The mining industry is not a Johnny-come-lately to environmental issues; it is not being dragged kicking and screaming into the environmental age. In fact, the opposite is true. The industry has been endeavouring for many years to clean up its environmental house, and it has made very significant progress.

In recognition of the growing public concern and as a demonstration of corporate responsibility many resource industries are developing environmental policies. The mining industry is no exception.

I believe, however, that the industry must take a more proactive role in the development of environmental initiatives. It can do this both by continuing to provide its practical knowledge and experience into government decision-making processes, and by explaining its initiatives directly to the people of Canada at every available opportunity.

The drilling industry’s message, I believe, should be that:

— the minerals and metals industry is vitally important to Canada;

— the old vision of mining with picks and shovels is long gone;

— modern mining operations use the best technology and practices to minimize environmental impacts;

— the mining industry is strongly committed to improving its environmental performance; and

— the mining industry is undertaking ambitious programs of product and environmental stewardship.

This message must come from groups such as the CDDA through to associations, companies and individuals active in the downstream part of the industry.

For its part, the government of Canada recognizes that Canadians expect their government to take a leadership role in environmental issues. At the same time, the government recognizes that it must consult widely with Canadians to ensure the development of responsible, equitable environmental initiatives.

In the Green Plan, the government announced a goal of setting aside 12% of the country as protected spaces. Initiatives will include the completion of the National Parks System, creation of model forests to demonstrate sustainable forestry practices, and measures to conserve wildlife habitat. However, we also recognize that the mining industry requires access to land for exploration and development purposes. This is essential to ensure that Canada has an adequate mineral resource base in the future.

It is for this reason that the government is currently working with the Mineral Industry Land Use Committee, which is made up of representatives of The Mining Association of Canada, the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada and the provincial mining associations. Energy, Mines and Resources Canada is co-operating with the committee on the compilation of land use information related to mineral development.

The federal government wants to see a strong and internationally competitive mining industry. But we are also committed to safeguarding the integrity of the Canadian environment, consistent with the concept of sustainable development.

The bottom line is that environmental issues are here to stay, and for the mining industry and all three levels of government, this will undoubtedly mean a more rigorous regulatory approach to and greater public accountability from industry. It will also likely mean increased costs in order to meet stricter standards, to pay for clean-ups where necessary, to participate in environmental reviews and to educate the public.

I want to reiterate that the government also expects the drilling industry to take a more active role in communicating directly with the public on environmental issues. I understand that the CDDA has recently decided to form an environmental committee. I commend your association in taking this important new environmental step. I would encourage the Canadian Diamond Drilling Association to follow the lead of The Mining Association of Canada in adopting an environmental policy and code of practice. I know that one of this association’s stated objectives is to foster the protection of the natural environment, but the pronouncement of a formal policy in this regard would publicly demonstrate your commitment to the concept of sustainable development and its application in the mining industry.

John MacDougall is the member of Parliament for Timiskaming and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Honorable Jake Epp, Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources.