Harper Government Enhancing Jobs and Opportunities for Aboriginal Peoples

TORONTO, Nov. 17, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, today delivered remarks at the Canadian Aboriginal Minerals Association's (CAMA) 22nd Annual Conference.

During his address, the Minister highlighted the importance of mining to Aboriginal Peoples and the Canadian economy, as well as the potential presented by areas with high mineral development opportunities such as the Ring of Fire and the North. The Minister also emphasized the Government's commitment to responsibly developing Canada's natural resources, which includes engaging with communities and environmental stewardship.

Minister Rickford underscored the Government of Canada's ongoing efforts to increase Aboriginal participation in the mining industry with a particular emphasis on Aboriginal youth. These efforts include funding initiatives for training Aboriginal Peoples as well as strengthening Crown consultations.

Quick Facts

• The natural resource sectors directly and indirectly account for 1.8 million jobs and almost one-fifth of Canada's nominal gross domestic product (GDP).
• The minerals and metals sector employs close to 400,000 Canadians, including over 10,000 Aboriginal people. It also generates more than 20 percent of Canada's exports.
• Between 2008 and 2012, the mining and minerals and metals processing sectors have paid, on average, $4 billion annually in corporate taxes and royalties. Canada remains the world's top destination for mineral exploration, attracting 16 percent of global investment.
• On August 20, 2013, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced more than $5.8 million over two years —through Employment and Social Development Canada's Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF) — to the Mine Training Society in the Northwest Territories for a new mining sector-skills training program.

Quotes

"Canada's mining industry is an important economic driver that creates skilled, high-paying jobs in Aboriginal communities across the country. Our government is engaging with Aboriginal groups to enhance employment opportunities and environmental protection in the mining sector."

Greg Rickford
Canada's Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario