OTTAWA, Nov. 18, 2014 /CNW/ - The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) commends the federal government on the announcement of the new Extractive Sector Trade Strategy to support Canadian mining companies operating abroad.
Today's announcement complements the release of the renewed Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy, Doing Business the Canadian Way, announced by Minister Fast on November 14.
"Taken together, these two strategies send a welcome signal that Canada supports and promotes a strong and vibrant Canadian mining sector both at home and abroad. The Government of Canada is also setting a high bar for corporate responsibility performance, which our members embrace," said Pierre Gratton, MAC's President and CEO.
The extractive sector strategy focuses on removing trade barriers through the negotiation of trade agreements, increasing the knowledge of the trade commissioner network to better connect Canadian companies with opportunities in other countries and more broadly positioning Canada as a partner of choice for Canadian direct investment abroad. The industry has supported the government's efforts to increase trade commissioners' understanding of high-priority sectors, like mining, by embedding dedicated trade commissioners into industry associations. "As mining is both a complex and global sector, MAC has seen the benefits of this program as it provides a platform for trade commissioners to learn more about our industry and align government efforts to further enhance Canada's strength in mining overseas," said Gratton.
"The Harper government has negotiated and concluded free trade and foreign investment protection agreements at an unprecedented rate over the past eight years, positioning Canada's globally-leading mining sector for success. The new strategy will add distinction to Canada's mining brand and should send a clear signal to other mining countries to take note," added Gratton.
When taken with the CSR strategy that sets expectations of companies to adhere to international standards regarding social and environmental practices and strengthens Canada's international dispute resolution mechanisms such as the Extractive Sector CSR Counsellor and the OECD National Contact Point, Canada is well-positioned as a global leader in the extractive 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. Please visit www.mining.ca.
SOURCE: Mining Association of Canada (MAC)
Jessica Draker, (613) 295-8005 or [email protected]; Johanne Senécal, (613) 371-5007 or [email protected]
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