The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada releases public opinion
survey that shows Canadians understand and support mining and mineral
exploration
The Angus Reid survey found that 25% of Canadians are strong supporters of mining, while just 15% are anti-mining. The pro-miners were also the group that was the most informed.
"This was somewhat of a surprise to our members, especially those who live in big urban centres, because they're sensitive to critics, who often don't have any direct experience with the industry. Most mining activity takes place in remote corners of the country," said PDAC
Canadians believe mining is important to the economy
One of the most definitive responses on the survey came to a question about mining's role in the Canadian economy. There 96% of Canadians believe mining is important or very important to the economy, the survey found.
"There's no question that Canadians believe mining is important for our economy," Baird said. "Canada's wealth came about largely because of the mining industry. Governments must understand that mining is just as important today as it always was."
Canadians say evaluate land for mineral potential before setting it aside
Another survey question has implications for Ontario's proposed Bill 191, Far North Act, which proposes to protect 50% of northern Ontario and prohibit mining and exploration there. But 56% of survey respondents said that land should be evaluated for its mining potential before it is set aside as protected land. This is an issue of national concern because Ontario is at times a leader in legislative initiatives.
"The survey shows that Canadians tend to disagree with the approach taken in Ontario's proposed Far North Act," Baird said. "They want the land's mineral potential evaluated before areas are set aside for protection. This is similar to the position put forward by some of northern Ontario's First Nations, who have called for Premier Dalton McGuinty to withdraw Bill 191."
More findings Other survey findings include: - Just 4% of respondents say mining is not important to Canada - About one of seven Canadians has a personal connection to the mining sector - 66% of respondents recognize that exploration has a significant research and development component - Two out of three respondents support sharing tax revenue from mining with First Nations people - One out of four respondents has invested in mineral exploration, mining or oil and gas stocks - The survey statement with which most Canadians agreed is: "Mining and exploration are essential to the economies in many small towns across Canada" - The statement with which respondents least agreed is: "Canada would be better off without mining" - Only 11% of respondents are aware that Ontario is the jurisdiction in which the most mineral exploration activity takes place - Men, residents of rural areas, and those with a university education are more likely to report feeling a personal connection to mining
Survey accuracy
Angus Reid Strategies conducted the online survey among a randomly selected, representative sample of 2,582 adult Canadians from
About the PDAC:
The Prospectors and Developers Association of
For further information: More information and the full results of the survey: Saley Lawton, Director, Communications, Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, (416) 362-1969 ext. 225, [email protected]; Jon Baird, President, Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, (905) 513-0046 ext. 302, www.pdac.ca
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