Can you share the Ontario Mining Association’s accomplishments in 2024 and its areas of focus?

Shortly after I became President, we hosted our annual ‘Meet the Miners’ event attended by Premier Ford. This was an opportunity to showcase the province’s commitment to the mining sector, with discussions on issues like leadership, immigration and talent recruitment.  

OMA focuses on solutions-oriented advocacy through engaged discussions within specific committees where our members, as subject matter experts, contribute important perspectives. Health and safety is our top priority. Additionally, we are focused on growing domestic processing to strengthen the local supply chain. We advocate for fair, predictable energy pricing, as competitive energy costs are critical to attracting capital investment and fostering innovation, particularly in clean technologies.

Our work extends to Indigenous relations, with a dedicated committee focused on creating meaningful economic development opportunities. We support the expansion of resource revenue-sharing agreements across the province. I believe Ontario should be recognized as a leader in this area. Furthermore, the OMA advocates for a skilled labor force and monitors government initiatives like "One Project, One Process," which aims to streamline project approvals while balancing environmental stewardship with timely decision-making. 

What are your plans for the OMA?

The OMA has a strong legacy as a neutral advocate for the mining industry, and I aim to build on that foundation. My focus is to contribute to the development of public policy by offering innovative solutions to challenges like access to reliable, competitively priced energy supply. My goal is to ensure that mining is considered early in the policy process, drawing on my experience in government. 

The OMA advocates primarily at the provincial level, where we have strong partnerships, but we also collaborate closely with the Mining Association of Canada on federal issues, as well as other provincial and territorial partners and industry organizations. 

How can your members overcome current market challenges?

Mining companies must evolve their business models, as they have in the past, to create value in new ways. Geopolitical instability, high inflation and climate change concerns necessitate innovation. To help weather these challenges, companies should continue to prioritize sustainability practices, community engagement—especially with Indigenous communities—and invest in workforce development. Addressing supply chain vulnerabilities by establishing local suppliers is also crucial to mitigating international risks.

What are the latest developments at the OMA's ‘This Is Mine Life’ campaign?

One of OMA members’ top concerns is the labor shortage. A study we commissioned revealed that 37% of Ontario youth, roughly 1.1 million, would consider a career in mining. These data help us target youth in the 16-24 age range to shift perceptions of mining. We seek to inspire more young Ontarians to consider careers in mining by highlighting the sector’s technological advancements, relationships with Indigenous communities, commitment to safety and high compensation. It is a multi-year, collaborative effort involving government, industry, labor, schools, and Indigenous communities.

The campaign includes initiatives like a labor assessment study and an information campaign with digital resources like the Talent Egg Career Hub. Recently, we participated in Level Up! career fairs, organized by the Ministry of Labor, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, where ambassadors from our member companies connected with students to share their educational and career paths. Attracting underrepresented groups is crucial – we try to empower young women, Indigenous youth and new Canadians to see themselves in the mining industry by showcasing leadership roles and providing relatable role models. 

Additionally, the campaign features an award-winning podcast exploring stories of human transformation connected to mining. We also partner with Mining Matters and other organizations to facilitate mining education tours, effectively engaging educators and offering them valuable insights into the industry. We have garnered a lot of attention, not only from the youth we are targeting, but from teachers, guidance counsellors, other mining associations and organizations linked to various levels of government that want to build on the success of This is Mine Life. 

Can you discuss priorities for 2025?

Health and safety will remain a top priority. We will collect and analyze the latest data to inform our strategies and advocacy, updating key studies. We remain committed to improving Ontario's competitiveness, particularly in energy, labor and critical minerals, while advocating for certainty and long-term prosperity. 

Our success depends on individuals who enhance the resilience of our sector, including Indigenous partners, with whom we continue working towards economic reconciliation.