COMMENTARY — Our day on the Hill

The author is chairman of the Mining Association of Canada. He has written the following at the request of Keep Mining in Canada, an organization formed to increase awareness of the importance of mining in this country.

Now that the House of Commons’ summer recess is over and our members of Parliament (MPs) have returned to Ottawa, we must step up our political activities and show our decision-makers how important mining is to us and to the entire Canadian economy.

To this end, Keep Mining in Canada is already preparing for its third annual Lobby Day, which will be held in Ottawa on Nov. 26. Lobby Day is one of the most important yearly events for the mining industry, as it enables all of us involved in the industry to speak directly to our decision-makers about issues and policies that affect our daily lives. This year’s Lobby Day is more important than ever as Parliament Hill is populated with new faces, and many of the MPs are unaware of the important role the mining industry plays in Canada.

When our mining delegates arrive on Parliament Hill on Nov. 25, they will be prepared for action. Keep Mining in Canada believes industry and government can work in tandem to further the development of mining and create jobs across Canada. Our delegates will discuss ways in which this can happen during their busy round of meetings.

A new feature at this year’s Lobby Day will be a luncheon with parliamentary secretaries. This informal gathering will enable delegates and parliamentary secretaries to develop and build important relationships.

Keep Mining in Canada’s 1996 Lobby Day was a resounding success. During the day, 72 mining delegates participated in 125 individual meetings with ministers, MPs and their staff. In the evening, more than 350 people, including four cabinet ministers, 50 MPs and two deputy ministers, attended the evening reception.

As a participant in the last two Lobby Days, I have been impressed by the openness with which we were received by MPs and by their eagerness to learn about our industry. As we get better at conveying our message, I expect this good reception will only improve.

Over the past four years, Keep Mining in Canada has built tremendous momentum for the Canadian mining industry in Parliament. This momentum must be maintained if mining is to play an important role in the next century and beyond. Lobby Day plays a vital role in maintaining the momentum, and we are depending on your support to ensure this year’s is the best yet.