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OTTAWA — Canada’s international co-operation minister says there are “huge opportunities” for the country’s mining industry to work with the Canadian government in developing countries.
Speaking at the annual board of directors’ meeting for the Mining Association of Canada, Julian Fantino said the extractive industry can play an important role in Canada’s international development efforts.
“There is huge, huge opportunities, I believe, for your industry,” Mr. Fantino said. He said mining companies are already working successfully with the Canadian government and NGOs, adding, “I encourage you to stay tuned.”
The Conservative government views the mining sector as an important player in its international development efforts as it works to increase partnerships with the private sector. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Canada would work with Tanzania and Peru on governance issues in the extractive industry. Canadian mining companies will also have to meet new requirements on disclosing payments to governments, Mr. Harper said.
CIDA has already launched projects in several developing countries that are co-funded by the agency, a mining company, and a non-governmental organization. The projects, which are managed by NGOs, have attracted some criticism, in part because they are viewed as subsidizing mining companies’ corporate social responsibility programs.
In his comments to the Mining Association of Canada, Mr. Fantino dismissed criticism of the government’s strategy and praised the Canadian extractive industry’s work. “Your industry is a leader, internationally, and we want to help you succeed,” he said.
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