Mr. Speaker, the Canadian mining industry is a major creator and user of advanced technology for the global resource industry. Mining companies spend over $100 million a year on research and development and over 85% of the mining workforce uses advanced technology from electronics and advanced materials to geomatics and telecommunications. The primary metals industry is the most intensive user of the 10 leading technologies in the marketplace.
With the use of high technology and a highly skilled workforce, between 1986 and 1996 labour productivity increased by 48% in mining and by 37% in the smelting and refining industries. That compares with about 16% in the entire Canadian economy.
I call on members of the House to salute mining day on Parliament Hill and the achievements of this high technology industry.