mining can help drive canada's economic recovery from covid-19 By Pierre Gratton, president and CEO, Mining Association of Canada There is no question that the pandemic
the functioning of our society, our industry
to allowing Indigenous employees to
has had a massive effect on all sectors of
moved quickly to adopt measures to
remain in their home communities with
the global economy, and Canada’s mining
reduce the spread of the virus, protect
full pay, the mining sector has prioritized
industry has been heavily impacted. Given
our employees, and neighbours. The
the health and safety of their employees,
the essential nature of our sector and its
minerals sector accounts for 626,000 jobs
their contractors, and the communities in
products, for businesses to thrive moving
throughout the country and is the largest
and around which they operate, and will
forward, support for mining will be integral
private-sector industrial employer of
continue to do so.
to supporting the broader economy.
Indigenous peoples, so ensuring the health
Canadian mining has an extensive North
and safety of those who work in mining
American supply chain that is retooling to provide products that are needed now more than ever. Mines produce materials that are essential for protecting
and in the communities surrounding mine sites has been paramount. Our industry has diligently followed the guidance of public health authorities and
It is extremely important to recognize the privilege our industry has to operate, particularly in Indigenous communities. Recent global events have highlighted the continued necessity of ensuring antiracist policies are in place in all sectors.
Canadians, including medical technologies
has transparently implemented new and
and medications, and it has been critical
stringent health and safety guidelines to
that supply chains stay open during
ensure the wellbeing of its employees,
this crucial time so that we can ensure
often going beyond requirements.
mined products are readily available for
The amount of collaboration and work
that focuses on ensuring management
that has been done in the industry to
and employees at mine sites are educated
ensure the spread of COVID-19 is reduced
on the history of Indigenous peoples and
is unprecedented. From building mobile
receive skills-based training in intercultural
testing units at remote mine locations,
competency, conflict resolution, human
to chartering planes for fly-in, fly-out
rights, and anti-racism.
the people and businesses who rely on them. Canada needs mined products, and we must continue to ensure they are mined safely, not just for workers but for communities surrounding mine sites. As minerals and metals are essential to
operations to ensure social distancing,
Our Towards Sustainable Mining program, focused on responsible mining practices, includes a newly updated standard on Indigenous and Community Relationships
Beyond safety, Canadian mining companies have gone further, making contributions to food banks, women’s shelters, Indigenous organizations, and health authorities across Canada exceeding $40 million. These are in addition to the donation of tens of thousands of N95 masks, test kits, and ventilators amongst other equipment and goods to address shortages of these critical supplies. We recognize the responsibility our
Providing Quality Analyses, Excellent Turnaround Time and Customer Service for the Exploration and Mining Industry.
industry has to protect its employees while providing the material that keeps Canada’s economic engine running. As businesses reopen, we are confident that our sector will be able to provide the mined materials essential to the items and technology used every day in the most Canadian way – responsibly. 6
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Manitoba Mining Review 2020-2021
