Pirie encouraging investment bankers to attend Canadian Trade-Ex events

By Kevin Vincent

George Pirie doesn’t mince words when it comes to northern Ontario’s premiere mining shows’ impact on the Canadian economy. Ontario’s Mines Minister is signalling to investment bankers from around the world that they need to get a firsthand look at northern Ontario exploration and mining projects by attending the north’s two big annual mining events in Thunder Bay and Timmins.

In fact, he told Canadian Trade-Ex President Glenn Dredhart that he is making it his personal mission to get those bankers north.

“It is the 30th anniversary of this event and it wouldn’t happen without Glenn Dredhart. We can’t say thanks enough to him and his family,” said Pirie.

“Glenn has heard me say this a couple times. I was running some major corporations. We would bring the investment bankers in, charter them in, whether it be Timmins or whether it be Red Lake.”

Pirie, who was President and CEO of Placer Dome Canada, which operated 13 mines in 7 countries, is adamant that bankers need a firsthand look at the north.

Cont’d from pg. 24 ent to provide information about degree programs, certifications, or training courses that can equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for pursuing a career in the sector.

Attending a job fair that includes a focus on jobs in the mining industry

The Mines Minister points to the high number of presentations that occur at the Central Canada Expo as well as the Canadian Mining Expo as perfect examples of why bankers need to attend.

“I’ve been listening to presentations over the last two days,” Pirie said in Timmins. “We’ve heard all of the major projects in the Timmins area and some in Sudbury at the same time. You bring the investment bankers here and you then hear their presentations,” he added.

Pirie says bankers could be on the ground talking to the operators and the investment would flow because every president, CEO, and every manager of any mining corporation must mobilize capital.

Ontario’s Mines Minister concluded his thoughts with a promise. “Glenn it’s going to be one of my missions that we attract the investment bankers into this forum because then we’ve got everything that it needs, including the capital to build the projects.”

“You’ve heard them, I’ve heard three or four already today that are phenomenal, they’re phenomenal projects, so that’s going to be one of my missions.” can be an excellent way for high school students to explore career options, learn about sustainable practices, connect with industry professionals, and gain valuable insights into the intersection of mining and environmental stewardship.