Government of Canada funding study to improve wellbeing in mining communities in Northern Ontario

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario - FedNor

News release

FedNor’s contribution supporting the completion of a fact-finding mission and case study to help communities in Northern Ontario better respond to opportunities and challenges in the mining sector

October 9, 2024 – Sudbury, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor

Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, and Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministers of Energy and Natural Resources and Official Languages, today announced that the Government of Canada is providing the City of Greater Sudbury with $150,000 in fundingfor a fact-finding mission and case study project aimed at improving wellbeing in mining communities in Northern Ontario. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister to Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.

Funded through the Northern Ontario Development Program, the report adds to six previous case studies completed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) as part of its Mining Regions and Cities Initiative. The study will include a review of the regulatory and policy environment for mining and related industries, with the goal of making recommendations for consideration by the federal and provincial governments.

To achieve this the OECD, in cooperation with Northern Ontario stakeholders, will explore the impact of  the mining sector on economic, social and environmental wellbeing in Northern Ontario. This includes looking at its contribution to regional development, and assessing the progress of regional strategies and policies on improving the business environment for mining in Northern Ontario. Additionally, the fact-finding mission will create opportunities for knowledge exchange and learning among communities and the private sector.

Quotes

“Today’s investment of $150,000 into Northern Ontario mining and supply services sector will help better understand the opportunities and challenges miners face, how to protect the environment, and develop the needed support for long-term success within the industry.”

-       The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor

“Sudbury has a rich history rooted in the mining sector that has expanded over the years to include a diverse mining supply and services industry. By supporting this study, the Government Canada is demonstrating its commitment to wellbeing of Northern Ontario and ensuring that the sector will continue to thrive, along with the communities and people that play a crucial role in its success.”

-       Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury

“Today’s announcement will help us identify, plan for and develop a roadmap that will help lead us to a stronger, more sustainable mining industry that respects the environment and creates meaningful jobs for Canadians. We are proud to partner with the City of Greater Sudbury, the OECD and communities across the region to complete a full review of the regulatory and policy environment to develop recommendations to make mining stronger here at home and around the world.”

-       Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministers of Energy and Natural Resources and Official Languages

“The City of Greater Sudbury is grateful for FedNor’s support and is excited to be partnering with the OECD on this important fact-finding mission. We know that Northern Ontario is home to a world-class mining and mining supply and services sector, and this study will allow us to identify our competitive advantages and share lessons learned with fellow OECD members.”

-       Paul Lefebvre, Mayor, City of Greater Sudbury

Quick facts

  • The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which enables communities and First Nations to increase the number of community and/or regional economic development initiatives implemented, leading to increased business investment, job creation, and regional collaboration and partnerships.

  • The OECD is an international organization that works to build better policies for better lives. Their goal is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all. Together with governments, policy makers and citizens, they work on establishing evidence-based international standards and finding solutions to a range of social, economic and environmental challenges.

  • The OECD's Mining Cities and Regions Initiative serves as a platform for exchanging good practices and promoting international standards aimed at improving well-being outcomes in mining regions.

  • The Government of Canada’s Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario identifies investing in building the economic development capacity of municipalities and Indigenous communities in the region as a key action.

Associated links

Contacts

Jennifer Kozelj
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
jennifer.kozelj@sac-isc.gc.ca

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations

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