2008 Mines Ministers' Conference Closing Statement

"Mining and industry sectors along with governments need to encourage and engage Aboriginal peoples and communities in a manner that is inclusive, transparent and characterized by mutual respect." - Bill Boyd, Mines Ministers' Conference Host and Saskatchewan Energy and Resources Minister

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3 PDAC recommendations to the 2008 Mines Ministers' Conference:

a. Clarify consultation protocols and permitting requirements
Uncertainties regarding government consultation requirements, community
engagement, and project permitting are a deterrent to mineral exploration
investment and community growth. The complexity and length of permitting
processes in Canada are significant barriers to the mineral sector’s ability to
successfully make the transition from an exploration project to an operating mine.
Many companies and communities are working together on formal and informal
arrangements that lead to improved relations, regular engagement and business
opportunities; however, government owes a constitutional duty regarding
consultation to Aboriginal peoples. The PDAC believes it is essential that Canada’s
governments work towards clear regulatory procedures or policies that satisfy all
affected parties and clarify industry requirements for community engagement.

b. Expedite the resolution of outstanding land claims
The PDAC believes that the successful conclusion of outstanding land claims will
bring certainty to Aboriginal communities and the mineral industry, and help to
create the conditions that are needed for communities to foster long-term,
sustainable economic development. Progress on the settlement of land claims is a
critical step towards the self-sufficiency of First Nations communities. In response
to Bill C-30, An Act to establish the Specific Claims Tribunal, the PDAC expressed
support to the federal government and the Assembly of First Nations for taking the
initiative to establish an independent commission and to allocate additional funds
to settle these claims.

c. Implement Government Resource Revenue Sharing
The PDAC recommends the implementation of government resource revenue
sharing. The PDAC believes that greater participation by aboriginal peoples in the
mineral industry in Canada will promote greater understanding and co-operation
between aboriginal communities and mineral exploration and mining companies.
The PDAC believes that, if governments shared a portion of revenues derived from
natural resource extraction with Aboriginal peoples, these revenues would: provide
economic benefits to Aboriginal communities; form a basis for Aboriginal
communities to build towards economic self-sufficiency; facilitate direct
participation in the mineral industry by Aboriginal peoples; and, encourage
exploration on Aboriginal traditional lands. Source

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MAC Submission to 2008 Mines Ministers' Conference

"While the industry is pleased with the progress by the Major Projects Management Office in its first year, there remains significant scope for governments and specific departments to improve their project review processes and timeliness. This issue intersects with questions of Aboriginal consultation, land use planning, and government sharing of resource revenues.

"MAC aims to finalize a memorandum of understanding with the Assembly of First Nations in the fall 2008 and is also developing the TSM architecture needed to help guide company undertakings in the area of aboriginal relations. The PDAC is also focused on this area, having signed an agreement for further cooperation with the AFN in March. At the company level, bilateral agreements with Aboriginal groups facilitate progress on extractive projects while providing literacy, training, employment, and financial-sharing benefits. There are over 50 benefit impacting agreements in place and numerous other significant participation initiatives underway relating to mineral extraction projects – these involve many leading mining companies." Source