Mr. Speaker, today, representatives from the mining industry from across Canada are here to meet with parliamentarians, senior officials and others to discuss current challenges and opportunities facing this important sector.
The minerals and metals industry accounts for $45.3 billion, over 15% of Canada's exports; provides 367,000 high paying jobs to Canadians; forms the economic background of over 120 communities; and is an important bridge to the wage economy for aboriginal Canadians. The Canadian mining industry is a pace setter in productivity and a major user of advanced technology products and services.
I invite hon. members to join with me in recognizing the importance of the minerals and metals industry to Canadians now and in the years to come.