“We want to get to Number One!” Minister Jeff Wharton stated before he is even asked a question about the state of mining in Manitoba.
Having just had the mining file added to his portfolio four months ago, you’d think he would still be stumbling, but instead, he has bounded ahead, working to deal with the permits issue and demanding faster action on the file from his department and others. He is proud of the improvements, but he is also determined to reach the ultimate goal of being the best place to invest in Canada and even the world. He has been dealing with the problems systematically.
One of the issues was understaffing, he points out, and that has been remedied with a beefed-up department with 19 newcomers that is focused on resource development, investment, and trade which are all part of his responsibility. They have also brought back as an advisor, Ed Heubert, one of Canada’s foremost experts in mineral resource development. Ed knows the portfolio from all sides and, what’s more, he knows the players.
Early on, Jeff recognized one of the major flaws in the way the file was being handled. “We had this silo way of dealing with permits and that was causing major delays in getting things done,” he says. “Each department was working in isolation. What was important to resource development may have been seen as contrary to what another department felt was their priority mandate.” He has been working to consolidate decision-making, taking an all-government, umbrella approach to the management of natural resources.
“The other thing has been the way government departments have engaged in the past with Indigenous people and the development of resources on their land. The communities need to be able to make their own decisions and, to do that, they need solid information, and they need it presented in a way that makes sense to them,” he says.
The minister pointed to one instance where a permit was in the works for considerably more than two years. “In this case” he said, “there were some ownership issues, but there were also dysfunctional negotiations with the local Indigenous group.”
He adds, “Industry must realize that this is a new day. They have to find a balance between their interests and those of the local people. This is part of reconciliation, and we see it as part of our role as government to bring industry and Indigenous people together so they can arrive at a fair and negotiated agreement that works for both sides.”
The recent announcement of $1.55 million to Mining Association of Manitoba Inc. and the Communities Economic Development Fund is focused in part on economic reconciliation with First Nations.
But more, “The emerging green economy is changing regulatory environments,” he said. “The global demand for critical minerals presents Manitoba with enormous opportunities. Manitoba is perfectly positioned to seize those opportunities due to our clean, renewable energy, and the minerals needed to support the new demand.
“We also recognize the importance of doing this in partnership with our Indigenous populations. That means revenue sharing and shared decision making.
“I spent my pre-political life as a successful businessperson,” he said. “I know what it means to have a stake in the outcome.” His attitude is critical to creating fair outcomes to both industrial and Indigenous participants in resource development.
Finally, he says, his goal is to get the message out to the world. “We are determined to make it clear that Manitoba is open for business.” He comments that the best thing that has happened to Manitoba mining investment prospects over the past few years was the attendance at the PDAC conference in Toronto last spring by the Premier and Minister Cliff Cullen. The industry was inspired by her speech and the open discussions the minister held with the players the following day.
There was an immediate response from industry which, since then, continues to put a lot of faith in Manitoba’s determination to facilitate resource development growth.
The $1.55 million was awarded to get the word out about Manitoba’s lithium resource and the role it will play in the green economy. They are also focusing on employment training and looking at further ways to improve development-friendly provincial standards and guidelines.
In the meantime, the minister says, he has an open door. If you as a miner or prospector have a question, call him, and he or his righthand man will get back to you. What a refreshing attitude in this day of one-way digital communication!
As we went to press, a last-minute call let us know that the company example in the story above got a notice, dated May 31, 2023, that his permit was approved! Now that's what I call "getting it done!"
