Flin Flon MLA Clarence Pettersen delivered the following member’s statement in the legislature on Tuesday:
Mr. Speaker, mining is an integral part of northern Manitoba’s economy. This Industry continues to create a demand for thousands of skilled workers in the North of our province, and has been a major shaping force in our history.
That’s why I was thrilled to attend this year’s Manitoba Mining and Minerals Convention last week.
During this three-day event, it was hard not a feel a sense of optimism. Mining experts, geoscientists, educators, community and Aboriginal leaders, and resource and industry leaders lent valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our mining industry.
The convention also included activities that engaged the public, such as digging for fossils and panning for gold.
Our province benefits from having extensive, world-class mineral resource deposits, worth more than $3 billion annually.
Between 2007 and 2012, the mineral sector was the fastest growing sector of Manitoba’s economy. In 2012, this sector provided jobs for more than 5,700 people with another 18,000 employed in spin-off businesses.
Almost every family in northern Manitoba has a parent, an uncle, or a grandchild involved in some aspect of the mining industry. Investing in this vital sector benefits our whole community.
Conventions like these are not only essential to stimulating industry growth and development, but they also give people involved or interested in mining a chance to witness its potential first hand.
Our mining sector is strengthening day by day. We are creating more opportunities for young people with the state-of-the-art Northern Manitoba Mining Academy in Flin Flon, which helps young people find good jobs close to home.
Initiatives like Manitoba’s new Mining Advisory Council and two newly developing mines are clear examples of how the mining industry is evolving into the 21st century.
Projects like the Northern Manitoba Mining Academy are pivotal to providing education and work opportunities to so many members of our community.
The Manitoba Mining and Minerals Convention is an event where industry representatives, First Nations and communities come together to create opportunities that benefit all Manitobans.
Thank you.
