Overview
The Government of Manitoba recognizes the importance of
the mineral and petroleum industries to future economic
development in Manitoba. In many communities mining or
petroleum industries are a primary employer and also sustain
a wide variety of service and support businesses throughout
Manitoba. Recognizing that these industries are currently
facing significant challenges in light of increasingly
global competition, historically low metal prices and
declining oil prices, the Government of Manitoba is
committed to ensuring the viability of Manitoba’s mineral
and petroleum sectors and the communities they support. To
guide future planning on policy and administrative matters,
the Minister of Industry, Trade and Mines is seeking the
public’s views on the current state of the mineral and
petroleum industries, and is soliciting public input on ways
to strengthen and promote sustainability.
A four-member task group composed of the following government
Members of the Legislative Assembly will conduct public
consultations across Manitoba. The task group members are:
- Gerard Jennissen, MLA for Flin Flon
- Doug Martindale, MLA for Burrows
- Thomas G. Nevakshonoff, MLA for Interlake
- Harry Schellenberg, MLA for Rossmere
The task group will convene public meetings and accept written
presentations. At the conclusion of the public meetings, the task
group will summarize the proceedings and present this summary in
report form to Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Industry,
Trade and Mines.
The Public Consultation Process
Input and advice is being sought from stakeholders with an
interest in the mineral or petroleum industries, including industry
representatives, contractors, Aboriginal groups, labour,
environmental organizations, and the general public.
Public meetings will be held in the following locations:
- Feb. 11, 2002
Virden* (Jay’s Inn & Suites, Hwy. 1) 7:00-9:00 pm
- Feb. 12, 2002 Winnipeg**
(Canad Inns Polo Park, 1405 St. Matthews Avenue) 7:00-9:00 pm
- Feb. 14, 2002
Lac du Bonnet (Pioneer Club, 32 Park Ave.) 7:00-9:00 pm
- Feb. 15, 2002
Stonewall*** (Stonewall Christian Assembly, 2 Dolomite Ave.)
7:00-9:00 pm
- Feb. 18, 2002
Flin Flon**** (Flin Flon Council Chambers, 20 First Ave.)
7:00-9:00 pm
- Feb. 19, 2002
Thompson**** (Juniper Centre, 108 Nelson Rd.) 7:00-9:00 pm
* discussion focussed on but not limited to the petroleum
industry
** simultaneous French translation will be available for the
February 12th Winnipeg meeting
*** discussion focussing on but not limited to the quarry and
aggregate minerals industry
**** discussion focussing on but not limited to the base and
precious metals industry
The task group may schedule additional meetings and roundtable
forums with interested stakeholder groups to discuss specific topics
of interest.
Topics for discussion
The task group is empowered to examine issues directly related to
the mineral and petroleum industries in Manitoba, and specifically
the policy and administrative regime overseen by the Minister of
Industry, Trade and Mines. The primary goal of this exercise is to
seek the public’s response to the following question:
What steps does Manitoba need to take to strengthen and sustain
its mineral and petroleum industries?
Topics of specific relevance to the Task Force include:
- 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?
Background Papers:
Citizens were welcomed to submit briefs for review to the Mining
Task Force forum. To view the submissions received, please visit the
Mining Task Force Public Submissions
page.
Email:
miningtaskforce@gov.mb.ca
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