Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the Canadian mining industry. Canada is the third largest mining nation in the world and the world's largest producer of uranium, zinc and potash. Almost 80 per cent of Canada's mineral production is exported.
Mining is the mainstay of employment in over 115 communities in Canada. For every 10 jobs created in the mining industry, 8 more jobs are indirectly created. For every dollar spent on mining research and development, there is a $3 benefit to the Canadian economy.
Over the past two years the demand for nickel has jumped 20 per cent. Fortunately Canadians have the resource, the workforce and the expertise to meet this anticipated demand.
It is for these reasons that we must work together in a co-operative spirit to foster an environment in which the mining industry may continue to flourish in this great country of ours.