Major reform of environmental regulations : THE QUÉBEC MINING ASSOCIATION SATISFIED BY THE GOVERNMENT'S DECISION TO GRANT MORE TIME FOR THE ANALYSIS OF THE DRAFT REGULATIONS
14/02/2018
Québec City, February 14, 2018 – The Québec Mining Association (QMA) is satisfied by the decision of the Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, Isabelle Melançon, to postpone the coming into force of several key environmental regulations, and to authorize a consultation period that is sufficiently long to allow an in-depth analysis of the amendments proposed.
"This decision shows that Minister Melançon has listened to, heard and understood the concerns raised. We needed more time for an in-depth analysis of the proposed regulatory measures, which will have a major impact on the actions of mining companies, and to deliver the mining industry's comments. The government will also need time to analyze the comments it receives. The Minister has provided the necessary time," says Josée Méthot, the QMA's president and CEO.
In the view of the QMA, this consultation period is essential if it is to propose changes to some of the measures in the draft regulations to ensure that mining operations can proceed smoothly, while respecting the objectives of the regulations and of the Environment Quality Act.
"The mining industry does not want to be exempted from the environmental regulations, but wants to ensure that the rules take its specific situation and issues into account. A consultation period is the normal approach, and often leads to the identification of elements that must be corrected in order to make the legislative and regulatory texts more effective for all parties. The Minister's willingness to grant more time confirms her goal of making the mining sector, and other industries, true partners in Québec's sustainable development," 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.