Mining Association of Canada (MAC) applauds the Government of Canada's commitment to global mining leadership

TORONTO, March 5, 2012 /CNW/ - The Mining Association of Canada commends Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver for his strong commitment to regulatory reform in the mining industry and the Government of Canada's reassurance that Canadians will continue to benefit from opportunities provided by the nation's rich resource sector.

"Canada is in global competition for mining investment and an effective and efficient regulatory regime can provide a competitive advantage over other jurisdictions," stated Pierre Gratton, MAC's President and CEO.

Minister Oliver reiterated the federal government's plan to streamline the approval process for major projects across Canada, while ensuring responsible development of Canada's natural resources.

"Minister Oliver is a steady champion of regulatory reform and we look forward to further progress by the government as it moves to modernize our regulatory regime.  The commitment of MAC members to our multiple award-winning Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative will also reassure Canadians that mining growth occurs responsibly and is supported by best practices."  TSM will be honored this evening at the PDAC's annual awards evening.

In a speech at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference in Toronto on Monday, Minister Oliver also referred to public opinion research showing "overwhelming support|" for the government's efforts to diversify the markets for Canada's resource sector.  This research is consistent with similar opinion polling, commissioned by MAC, which reveals broad-based support for Canada's mining sector.

About MAC
The Mining Association of Canada is the national organization for the Canadian mining industry.  Its members account for most of Canada's production of base and precious metals, uranium, diamonds, metallurgical coal, mined oil sands and industrial minerals and are actively engaged in mineral exploration, mining, smelting, refining and semi-fabrication.

Paul Hebert at [phone] - [email protected]