LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Exploration needs more investor incentives

My letters to federal Mines Minister Jake Epp, pointing out theseverity of the downturn in mineral exploration in Canada, have not gone unheeded. I recently received a reply from Mr. Epp, indicating that he and his colleagues in Ottawa do not fully comprehend the gravity of the present situation. Mr. Epp states that the mineral exploration sector is experiencing a normal trough in the industry cycle, and does not require any assistance beyond the 100% flow- through share incentive with which the sector is currently favored.

Mr. Epp and his associates should pay more attention to the stock market page of the local newspapers. The junior resource market is almost dead — a clear indication that the 100% flow-through method is not working. The mineral resource industry needs some additional investor incentives, and these incentives are required immediately.

Mr. Epp and his fellow politicians will not act unless the voters inform them of the existing problems, and the more voters they hear from, the more likely they are to take action. Therefore, I urge all those who depend on mineral exploration and mining for a livelihood to write letters to their MPs explaining the current problems in the mineral exploration sector and how it is affecting them.

This used to be a good industry to work in. Let’s try to restore some life to the business. Allan Willy P.Eng. Toronto, Ont.