Mr. Speaker, the mining industry plays a vital role in the Canadian economy. It provides direct employment to 368,000 Canadians, many of whom live in rural or remote communities.
In 1997, this high tech, knowledge-based industry injected $26.2 billion in the Canadian economy, or 3.8% of the GDP.
The mining industry also has an important impact on several downstream sectors, including manufacturing, finance, transportation and services.
Today is mining day on the Hill, an annual event sponsored by the Mining Association of Canada and the Mining Works for Canada campaign, where decision makers from the industry and the federal government get together to exchange views on issues of common interest. This year's theme is international competitiveness.
I urge all members of this House to recognize the Canadian mining industry.