Evidence of meeting #31 for Indigenous and Northern Affairs in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was companies.
A recording is available from Parliament.
4:50 p.m.
Vice-President, Government Relations, Mining Association of Canada
The impact would be significant. As Ryan said, we're in the process of figuring out a way forward from here and what role industry can play in making sure it does continue in some way, shape, or form.
We do need the labour market intelligence they provide, and we've come to rely on the credentialling programs they deliver as well.
I would venture to say that MiHR will continue. The question is, on what scale?
4:50 p.m.
NDP
Carol Hughes NDP Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, ON
I'm going to throw out a couple of questions, and then I'll leave it there.
Because there was a concern raised this week that Ontario laws have not included duty to consult first nations in advance of exploration permits or issuance of leases, I'm wondering if you have any comments on that.
As well, again, with the ASEP program, we know it's been very helpful for the aboriginal communities and aboriginal Canadians. I have a brief from the Mining Association, who were at the finance committee.
I wonder if you could elaborate a bit more on that. I think it would be detrimental to not have that program in place.
Are you aware of anything else that's going to be put in place to subsidize that?
4:50 p.m.
Vice-President, Government Relations, Mining Association of Canada
On the duty to consult, I'll let my colleagues at PDAC answer.
As far as the ASEP program and what's going to replace it, I'm aware of two pots of money. One is a strategic partnership initiative, which spans a number of government departments, including Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Aboriginal Affairs. I think that if funding hasn't been secured by mine training organizations, it's imminent that they'll be accessing some of those dollars. Then there is the strategic partnership fund, and that's at HRSDC. Some of those moneys are starting to flow to mine training organizations.
I don't know that they're on the same scale as what the ASEP's were, so we'll continue to be advocating for more support.
You're absolutely right. They've been hugely important for communities, for industry, and in helping us make sure we can get the right people with the right skills.
4:50 p.m.
Senior Program Director, Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada
With respect to Ontario and the mining law, the bill has been passed. There is a new act, but the regulations are still in development. In fact, on the Ontario environmental registry, the ministry recently posted draft rules that could work their way into regulations, and those are still open for comment.
The minister also has what's called a minister's Mining Act advisory committee. PDAC has representation on that, as does the Ontario Prospectors Association, first nations organizations, and environmental groups. That's a body that advises the minister as well.
What's happening in Ontario is not a complete story yet. We still have the draft rules out for comment on the EBR, and after that the government will have to consider and then gazette regulations. There is still that uncertainty in Ontario. We're doing our best to offer our advice on what we think a workable regime would be.
4:55 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Chris Warkentin
You are out of time, and I think we're pretty much done with our final round of questioning.
Colleagues, unless there is anything else, we will allow our witnesses to leave.
We thank you for your testimony today. We certainly appreciate your answers and the contribution you've given to our study. I'm certain you'll find much of what you spoke about in our report that will be developed over the next number of months. Thanks so much.
Colleagues, we'll now suspend for a few minutes, and then we'll come back in camera for committee business.
The meeting is suspended.
[Proceedings continue in camera]