Kootenay-Columbia MP David Wilks celebrated National Mining Week by recognizing the many contributions that mining makes in the province’s southeastern-most federal riding.

“Mining’s economic impact can be felt in every region of Canada — from exploration companies in remote areas, to equipment suppliers in small towns, to the stock exchanges in our biggest cities — creating jobs and business opportunities and supporting industries, workers and communities,” said Wilks, the former Mayor of Sparwood.

The mining, mineral processing and associated manufacturing sectors directly employed 330,000 Canadians and contributed an estimated $63 billion in nominal GDP in 2011, accounting for 3.9 percent of the total Canadian economy.

“Mining is particularly important to the people of Kootenay Columbia,” said Wilks.  “The industry provides employment in addition to related economic benefits throughout our region — supporting our local standard of living and quality of life.  On Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the 92nd Annual Mine Rescue Competition at Sparwood (pictured above).  It was great to see such good competition. Congratulations to Coal Mountain for taking the first place in the six man first aid team.”

The Conservative Government is committed to attracting investment, supporting innovation, opening new markets and improving the regulatory system for major mining projects, he said.

Canada is among the world’s mining giants with mining interests worth nearly $150 billion in more than 100 countries. Canada’s domestic mining industry includes diamond mines in the Northwest Territories, gold in Ontario and Quebec, potash and uranium in Saskatchewan and metallurgical coal in British Columbia. Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec are the top sources of iron ore, while copper and nickel is found in several provinces.

For additional information on National Mining Week, visit www.nrcan.gc.ca.

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