Cabinet reshuffle : THE QUÉBEC MINING ASSOCIATION WELCOMES THE NEW CABINET ARRANGEMENTS
11/10/2017
Québec City, October 11, 2017 – Following the cabinet reshuffle completed by Premier Couillard, the Québec Mining Association (QMA) welcomes the appointment of the new Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and the new Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change. The QMA is confident that both ministers will understand the concerns of Québec's mining sector and will introduce measures to ensure that mineral development continues to be a source of prosperity and pride.
"Although the mining sector is in a stronger position now than in recent years, it remains vulnerable to any new downturn in the cycle. As a result, it is important to take action to ensure that Québec maintains a strong mining industry, and to put in place the conditions needed to ensure its development. This is what we will focus on with the new ministers responsible for mining and the environment," says Josée Méthot, the QMA's president and CEO, commending the commitment of Pierre Arcand, the outgoing Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, who was always ready to support the mining industry during his term in cabinet.
The QMA hopes to see measures that will ensure the ongoing viability of Québec's mining industry, including a reduction in the regulatory and tax burden and in administrative delays. "The Association is clearly not seeking the deregulation of mining activities, but rather a reduction in the obstacles that hinder those activities. Since Québec has to compete with the rest of the planet, it is important to maintain a climate of predictability that will attract investors. These are some of the challenges that the new ministers will face, with support from the mining industry," Ms. Méthot concludes.
About the Québec Mining Association
The Québec Mining Association (QMA) was founded in 1936 and speaks proactively for mining companies involved in exploration, extraction and processing, mining contractors and junior mining companies, along with suppliers, institutions, non-profit organizations and other mining sector partners. It is proud of the 45,550 jobs and total expenditure of almost $6 billion generated by Québec's mining industry. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and proactively develop a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.