FRANCAIS

February 04, 2002

Manitoba’s first mining task force is asking for ideas on how to strengthen and sustain the province’s $1 billion mining, petroleum and aggregate sectors, Industry, Trade and Mines Minister MaryAnn Mihychuk announced today.

"The mining and petroleum industries are primary employers and they also support a variety of service businesses in many communities across the province," Mihychuk said. "These industries are facing significant challenges such as increasing global competition, historically low metal prices and declining oil prices. We want public input to guide future planning on policy and administrative issues that will affect the long- term viability of these important industries."

Public meetings will be held in six communities including:

• Virden Feb. 11, 7-9 p.m.

Jay's Inn and Suites, Highway 1

• Winnipeg Feb. 12, 7-9 p.m.

Canad Inn Polo Park, 1405 St. Matthews Ave.

• Lac du Bonnet Feb. 14, 7-9 p.m.

Lac du Bonnet Pioneer Club, 32 Park Ave.

• Stonewall Feb. 15, 7-9 p.m.

Stonewall Christian Assembly, 2 Dolomite Ave.

• Flin Flon Feb. 18, 7-9 p.m.

Council Chambers, 20 First Ave.

• Thompson Feb. 19, 7-9 p.m.

Juniper Centre, 108 Nelson Rd.

The task force comprises four members of the legislative assembly: Gerard Jennissen (Flin Flon), Doug Martindale (Burrows), Thomas Nevakshonoff (Interlake) and Harry Schellenberg (Rossmere). They will examine issues, policies and administrative tasks directly related to the mineral and petroleum industries.

"Manitoba’s economic well-being is heavily influenced by how well we balance using and protecting our natural resources," Mihychuk said. "In the mining and minerals sectors, we need sustainable development that takes into account sound environmental management and employment impact over the long term."

Mihychuk said specific questions to be addressed at the public meetings and in written submissions are:

• What can the government do to improve service delivery to mineral and petroleum industry clients?
• Are stakeholders satisfied with the current regime of incentive programs offered by the government to encourage exploration and development?
• What additional steps can the government take to plan for the future of communities once deposits run out?
• What practical regulatory changes need to take place in order to reduce red tape and increase efficiency to community stakeholders?
• What steps can be taken to spur the development of local industries to support the mineral and petroleum industries?
• Can government use the Mining Community Reserve Fund more effectively to support northern mining communities?

A detailed background paper is available on the mining task force Web site at: http://www.miningtaskforce.com.

Participants at the public meetings will be invited to make 10-minute presentations. Individuals are asked to pre-register at least one week before the meetings to allow speakers to be scheduled.

For further information or to register, please phone 945-8093 in Winnipeg or 1-800-223-5215 from all other locations. Task force members can also be reached by fax at 204-945-8427 and by e-mailing information to miningtaskforce@gov.mb.ca.

Written submissions should be a maximum of five pages and may be e-mailed or mailed to the Mining Task Force no later than Feb. 19 in care of Manitoba Industry, Trade and Mines, 360-1395 Ellice Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3G 3P2.

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