Prime Minister of Canada participates in the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) International Convention, Trade Show and Investors Exchange

March 3, 2014 - Toronto – Providence Group is a corporate member of PDAC and welcomes remarks made today by Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, during the PDAC International Convention, Trade Show and Investors Exchange.

During the speech and Q&A session, the Prime Minister focused on the strength of the economy and on measures that our Government is taking to help Canadian businesses that are engaged in the mining/extractive industries flourish both at home and abroad.

Some of the measures highlighted included support for junior mineral exploration in Economic Action Plan 2014, Responsible Resource Development and the streamlining of the review process for major economic projects, and ensuring the sector has highly-skilled workers by implementing the Canada Job Grant and apprenticeships. The Prime Minister also discussed our Government’s unprecedented efforts to increase access to international markets, including the agreement in principle reached with the European Union on a comprehensive trade agreement that will greatly benefit Canadian businesses.

“Canada is one of the world’s leading mining nations. The sector employs tens of thousands of Canadians both in communities across this country and around the world. Our Government recognizes the importance of the industry and has been taking important steps to help make it more competitive and productive. These measures include supporting junior mineral exploration in Economic Action Plan 2014, streamlining the review process for major economic natural resource projects, lowering taxes and keeping them low, opening international market access like never before, and working to match skills training with employer needs,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Quick Facts:

• In 2012, nearly 400,000 Canadians were employed in mineral extraction and mining support activities in communities across the country.
• Canada is one of the world’s leading mining nations. According to data from SNL Metals & Mining, Canadian-headquartered mining and exploration companies have accounted for the largest share of global exploration spending every year since 2002.
• Since 2006, the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit, along with the basic Flow-Through-Shares program, has helped mining companies, mainly juniors, raise over $5 billion for exploration.
• Hundreds of mineral and energy resource projects are underway or planned over the next 10 years, representing a total potential investment of $650 billion.
• To maximize the value that Canada draws from its natural resources, our Government has introduced significant system-wide improvements to achieve the goal of “one project, one review” in a clearly defined time period, streamlined the review process for major economic projects, enhanced consultations with Aboriginal peoples, and strengthened environmental protection and pipeline and marine safety.

Quotes:

“It was a pleasure to meet with members of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada today to discuss the ways our Government is supporting them, and to get their thoughts on how to further enhance Canada’s mineral exploration and mining sector in order to address future opportunities and challenges.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper