March 25, 2013
New chapter of MINES (Mining Inquiry Needs Everyone’s Support) established in Timmins and new website revealed: www.mininginquiry.com
(Timmins, March 25, 2013) Wendy and Briana Fram, mother and sister of Jordan Fram who was killed in an underground accident two years ago, led a delegation of seven Sudburians to meet with Timmins citizens equally concerned about the lack of attention being paid to mine safety legislation in Ontario.
The approximately 40 attendees in McIntyre arena heard from the Sudbury MINES delegation that there have been eight mining deaths since 2011 in the province and that the core piece of Ontario mining legislation has not had a major overhaul in 35 years. They also explained that inquest recommendations tied to miners’ deaths do not seem to make a difference or get acted upon.
MINES co-chair Jodi Blassuti also described how changes in the speed, volume and mechanization of mining are at odds with the now outdated legislation.
Speakers from Timmins included friends and relatives of miners killed or injured on the job, MP Charlie Angus and representatives of the United Steelworkers (USW).