The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources:

Mr. Speaker, this week I have the honour of addressing participants at Mineral Resources Review – Eastern Canada’s largest mineral industry conference and trade show.

This event is a partnership between our government and the provincial branch of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. It provides the opportunity for industry to come together as we plan for further mineral development in our province.

The conference will include technical sessions, networking opportunities, a discussion on updates to our quarry legislation, and the Geological Survey’s annual public lecture. Also featured this year, for the first time, is a Women in Mining workshop – an opportunity for women pursuing post-secondary education to learn about career opportunities in mining from women who are working in the industry.

Mining is one of the province’s most important industries and is creating significant employment, generating new opportunities for local businesses, and improving government’s ability to invest in programs, roads, education, and health care. Our plan, Mining the Future 2030, will continue this momentum as we achieve our vision of being a globally competitive, top tier jurisdiction for mineral exploration and development. We look forward to continue working with our partners and embracing the tremendous potential that exists in our mining industry.

Thank you.