Commentary — Mining and elections

The author is the new project manager of Keep Mining in Canada, a grassroots campaign designed to increase awareness of the importance of mining in this country.

With an election call fast approaching, our federal political parties are working flat-out to put together their platforms. Aware that Canadians are concerned over high unemployment, the parties are developing platforms that promote economic growth and create jobs.

If job creation is at the top of the parties’ agendas, encouraging mining investment should be a key component of their election platforms. Canada has vast mineral potential, and developing these resources will create thousands of highly skilled, well-paying jobs.

The Canadian mining industry is a major contributor to our economy, employing 340,000 Canadians and generating $23 billion in economic activity each year.

Men and women employed by the minerals and metals sector not only receive higher average salaries than people working in other industries; they and their families enjoy numerous social benefits as a result of their employment. From schools to theatres to hockey rinks to hospitals, mining companies are known for their generous contributions to all aspects of community living.

But the benefits of mining go beyond economics. Mining is a technologically advanced industry, and, by spending $100 million annually on research and development, mining companies are maintaining Canada’s position as a world leader in mining technology. This technology demands a highly skilled workforce, and 85% of today’s mining employees use robotic and electronic systems, computers and telecommunications on a daily basis.

The Canadian mining industry is a leader not only in technology, but in developing and implementing safe and clean mining practices. It was the first mining sector in the world to develop a national environmental policy based on the concept of sustainable development, and it has voluntarily reduced its emissions of toxins ahead of schedule under the Accelerated Reduction and Elimination of Toxics program.

Keep Mining in Canada’s 12-Point Industry-Government Action Plan provides an excellent road map to furthering mining development and job creation across Canada. If our political parties are serious about promoting economic growth and creating jobs, they will incorporate this strategy into their election platforms. The potential is there. If the parties develop platforms that encourage mining investment, thousands more Canadians could enjoy well-paying, rewarding careers.