NDP government introduces a new Critical Minerals Strategy

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The NDP government has introduced a new Critical Minerals Strategy they say will get mining projects up and running faster in Manitoba, and it’s a plan the province says is destined to succeed no matter the results of Tuesday’s U.S. election.

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“This Critical Minerals Strategy will solidify Manitoba as a world leader in responsible mineral development, which in turn brings good jobs to Manitoba,” said Jamie Moses, Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources Minister.

Moses spoke at the annual Central Canada Mineral Exploration Convention in Winnipeg on Monday, where he introduced the province’s Securing Our Critical Mineral Future strategy.

Moses also addressed the timing of Monday’s announcement, as voters go to the polls on Tuesday in the U.S. to decide if current Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump will serve as the next U.S. president.

Tuesday’s outcome could have huge ramifications on trade with the U.S. in Manitoba and across Canada, as Trump has vowed to make tariffs on imported good into the U.S. a pillar of his presidency if elected.

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“No matter the result of tomorrow’s U.S. election, our strategy will ensure Manitoba is a secure and responsible trade partner for years to come,” Moses said on Monday.

Key aspects of the strategy include the creation of a new “single desk” Critical Minerals Office, and an emphasis on speeding up and streamlining project timelines, aspects the province believes will make Manitoba more attractive to those looking to set up mining projects and operations.

“A business climate that helps attract mineral investment is essential,” Moses said.

The new single office will provide business concierge and permit-navigating services the province says will now “streamline the process and get new projects online faster.”

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Manitoba is currently home to 30 of 34 critical minerals identified by the federal government as critical for promoting green energy and sustainable economic success, according to the province.

“Manitoba is positioned to supply the materials needed to power the North American low-carbon economy,” Moses said.

The strategy also calls for increased investments in “high-priority” regional infrastructure projects in Manitoba.

That emphasis on speeding up mining projects is being applauded by Mining Association of Manitoba Inc. (MAMI) co-director John Morris.

“Manitoba needs to get new mines brought online faster. By streamlining policy and regulation, permitting will improve with the new single-desk critical minerals office,” Morris said.

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“MAMI looks forward to working with the province as we develop many of the action items contained in this strategy.”

The new strategy will also be focused on advancing economic reconciliation, and on creating partnerships with Indigenous communities, and includes the development of a provincial revenue-sharing model for mining in partnership with Indigenous nations.

“Indigenous and northern communities can be the backbone to a successful mining sector, setting those communities and the Manitoba economy on the best path forward,” Northern Relations and Indigenous Economic Development Minister Ian Bushie said in a Monday media release.

The province has also vowed to give effected Indigenous communities early notification on proposed mining activities, and said “ongoing consultation” with Indigenous communities will be an important aspect of the strategy.

“This strategy will ensure Indigenous Peoples’ voices are heard and that they receive fairer financial value within the resource sector in order to advance economic reconciliation,” Bushie said.

— Dave Baxter is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of the Winnipeg Sun. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

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