Tom Shypitka, our local MP and BC’s Critic for Mines, called the Critical Minerals Plan one of the best pieces of policy he’s seen come out of the federal government.

 

We are the only country in the western hemisphere that has reserves of all the minerals required to produced advanced batteries for electric vehicles, and fourteen of the nineteen metals and minerals required to produce solar panels are found or produced in Canada.  We are a key producer of aluminum, cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and graphite that will be required for clean technologies, batteries, windmills and solar panels.

 

The Liberal government has a strategic vision to drive responsible mineral development.  The six strategic directions of the plan include:

1.  Ensuring economic competitiveness

2. Participation of Indigenous Peoples

3. Protecting the natural environment

4. Science, technology and innovation

5. Engaging with communities

6. Global leadership

 

Canada is primed to capitalize on the rising global demand for critical minerals, driven because these minerals play a large role in production of new technology and the transition to a low-carbon and digitized economy.

 

31 minerals are considered critical for sustainable economic success of Canada, and we have them in spades.  That means we are positioning Canada as the leading mining nation, as set out in the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan (CMMP).  Canada’s critical minerals are essential to our economic security; required for Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy; and a sustainable source of critical minerals for our allies and partners. The list of 31 further provides greater certainty and predictability to industry, investors, provinces and territories, and our international partners on our mineral priorities.  It also enables policy makers to target and address key points in supply chains.

 

With this mineral supply, the Liberal plan is to position Canada as a global leader in the production of batteries and clean technologies.  Through a Mines to Mobility approach the Government will leverage Canada’s competitive advantage in mining to build the Canadian battery and critical mineral supply chains needed to supply the electric vehicle market, aerospace sectors and support the wider clean energy transition.

 

This means we plan to:

Bolste Canadian critical minerals projects and supply chain development

Target policy development to secure Canada’s position in global value chains

Coordinate international engagement to advance Canada’s interests with allies

Support research and development to unlock innovation across value chains.

These efforts will help advance the competitiveness of our miners and metals sector and create all kinds of new resource-based economic opportunities for Canadians.

 

https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/our-natural-resources/minerals-mining/critical-minerals/23414

 

A note on Thermal Coal:  Canada is phasing out coal-fired electricity while ensuring a just transition for workers and communities by 2030. Eliminating conventional coal power reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improves air quality and protects Candians’ health – but making this change must be done in a way that supports coal workers and their communities.  The Liberal Government already committed $185 million to help affected communities diversify their economies, and help workers develop new skills so they can lead and succeed in a cleaner economy.

 

There is a big difference between the thermal coal being phased out and the high quality metallurgic coal produced in the Elk Valley that is required for steel production.  Metallurgic coal production will continue.

 

I will be fighting for our workers, our environment, our Kootenay-Columbia.