Mr. Speaker, this week it seems appropriate to consider the effects of mining on the environment, its speculative nature and its impact on water, soil and the environment in general. One need only think of Bre-X, the use of cyanide to extract gold and mine tailings containing arsenic, as in the case of the Giant mine, with substances that are harmful to human health.
Last year in Spain and before that in Guyana, two major spills took place involving Canadian mining companies. Such accidents should not happen anywhere. If mining is to have a place in Canada, its promoters should take strong measures to prevent spills, to adopt non-toxic processes and to decommission mines properly.
The mining industry must be made to prevent the creation of toxic time bombs rather than leaving a mess to future generations.