THE QUÉBEC MINING ASSOCIATION PLEASED TO NOTE THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA'S SUPPORT FOR NEW WORKERS IN THE MINING SECTOR
10/04/2018
Québec City, April 10, 2018 – The Québec Mining Association (QMA) is pleased to note the announcement by Canada's Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, of government support totalling $7.8 million to develop experienced-based work placements in the mining sector.
"The shortage of qualified workers is a key problem for the mining sector. Mining is a cyclical industry and it is important to ensure that the earth sciences remain an attractive proposition for students at all times, so that they retain their interest in the mining sector through both up and down cycles. The funding made available by the federal government will provide incentives for companies to increase the number of practical work placements they offer, making training more attractive for young people who want to move quickly on to work experience in their field of study," says Josée Méthot, the QMA's president and CEO.
The funding announced will support the project "Gearing Up: Developing Mining Talent Through Work-Integrated Learning" launched by the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR).
"The pool of qualified workers available to mining companies in Québec is a significant competitive advantage that we can be proud of. However, we must work to maintain this pool, enrich it with new workers and replace workers who retire. This is why this initiative to attract young people to careers in the mining sector deserves our consideration. We welcome the Government of Canada's commitment to mineral development", Josée Méthot continues.
It is important to point out that Québec's mining industry is a major vector for socio-economic prosperity that generates total expenditure of $5.8 billion annually, in all regions of Québec, and revenues of around $1 billion for the Québec government and $450 million for the Canadian government. In addition, 45,550 jobs are created or maintained thanks to mining activities.
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.