QUÉBEC'S MINING SECTOR TO BENEFIT FROM THE TRANS-PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP ACCORDING TO THE QUÉBEC MINING ASSOCIATION

05/10/2015

Press Releases

Québec City, October 5, 2015 – Because the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will, notably, eliminate trade barriers and facilitate exports and imports, the Québec Mining Association (QMA) is pleased to note that Canada has signed the agreement.

In the QMA's view, there can be no doubt that better access to strategic markets and a reduction of restriction to the circulation of goods and individuals will benefit Québec's mining industry and improve its competitiveness on the world stage. "To maintain a strong mining sector in Québec, it must remain competitive with other jurisdictions, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership will help achieve this goal. It is important for Canada to be one of the signatory parties to the agreement," says Josée Méthot, President and CEO of the QMA.

According to the QMA, the major economic benefits generated by the mining industry in Québec make it essential for all levels of government to implement measures to allow the mineral development to continue to play a structural role in Québec's socio-economic prosperity:

 45,000 direct and indirect jobs, many held by First Nations members

 $1.7 billion in wages in the extraction and production sectors alone

 An extensive network of 3,800 suppliers throughout Québec, mainly in the urban centres of Montréal and Québec City

 $3.2 billion in mineral investment in 2014, mainly in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Nord-du-Québec and Côte-Nord regions

 $1 billion paid on average each year to various levels of government, including $710 million to the Québec government

 Contribution of 1% to Québec's GDP

About the Québec Mining Association
The Québec Mining Association (QMA) was founded in 1936 and speaks proactively for mining companies involved in 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 45,000 high-quality jobs and $3.25 billion in investment generated by Québec’s mining industry over the last year. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and play a role in the development of a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.