Written by MPP Michael Mantha on 02 November 2013
MPP Michael Mantha, Algoma-Manitoulin
This week the Ontario Mining Association (OMA) held their annual “Meet the Miners” event at Queen’s Park. This annual event is held to bring recognition to the importance of the mining sector in our province and inform politicians of the successes and challenges within the industry.
Many mining companies who are members of the OMA held briefings with all parties to highlight their activities and what they provide to the province and how the province can better assist these companies succeed.
For the past two weeks I have been calling on the government to set in place a plan that will create a framework for mining in the province. Lately we have been witnessing the fallout of government inaction and the frustrations it is causing all stakeholders involved.
When business comes to Ontario looking to invest, they and communities they will be working within are looking for the government to take a leadership role in defining how these projects can operate and benefit everyone.
Earlier this week in the legislature I highlighted some of the infrastructure deficits obstructing these projects from moving forward. Not only new projects but existing ones are facing huge hurdles with the soaring cost of electricity and shortfalls in electricity supply to many of these remote areas.
30 to 50% of operating costs for the Mining sector is the price of electricity, and the threshold for the Global Adjustment program still stands at 1 megawatt, which penalizes mid-sized producers. The government doesn’t even realize that the electricity supply is not sufficient to support new mining developments.
These badly needed jobs are at risk if the government continues to sit on the sidelines while companies and northern communities grow increasingly frustrated. At some point, companies will decide that they are wasting time and money waiting on the government to take action and they will pack up shop and invest in a more stable environment.
We need to be prepared, and well in advance. We need to be working with communities, colleges and trade unions to train a workforce that is ready to hit the ground running when the government gives the green light on these projects. I will continue to voice your concerns on this issue and ensure that projects which will benefit the north and our communities are not forgotten.
As always, please feel free to contact my office about this issue, or any other provincial matters. You can reach my constituency office by email at mmantha-co@ndp.on.ca or by phone at 705-461-9710/1-800-831-1899.
MPP/Député Michael Mantha,
Algoma-Manitoulin
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