The Conference Board of Canada

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2011 to 2020)

Improved regulations, industry-led initiatives, technological innovations, and traditional ecological knowledge have all contributed to improving the industry’s environmental performance. Companies have also worked to minimize their impacts on the land, and mine closure and remediation have come a long way since mining’s early days.

Much progress has been made in the past two decades around many of these key challenges, such as the engagement of local and Aboriginal communities and environmental protection. Mining companies are working closely with local suppliers and workers in Northern communities, reducing reliance on importing workers and materials and actively engaging in training and developing the local workforce, and building local businesses.

The federal and provincial/territorial governments are taking steps to improve regulatory processes. The federal government has taken important steps toward the “one project, one assessment” goal, and that this could lead to greater cooperation and coordination between the federal and provincial/territorial governments.

Complex and cumbersome regulatory processes lacking clarity and consistency.
Inadequate or non-existent infrastructure (transportation, energy, connectivity).
Shortage of skilled labour.
Engagement of local and Aboriginal communities (need for better consultation and impact benefit agreements).
Environmental stewardship (long-term impacts of mining on flora and fauna).
Clarity around mine closure and community preparedness.
Unsettled land claims and Aboriginal grievances.
Lack of coordination between different levels of government (Aboriginal, provincial/territorial, federal).

Federal and provincial/territorial governments working to improve environmental assessment processes and timeliness through cooperative agreements and the "one project, one assessment" approach.
Government investment in Northern infrastructure and public-private partnerships.
Industry initiatives to recruit and retain workers from underrepresented groups (women, new Canadians, Aboriginal Peoples), and education and training programs.
Early and ongoing consultation with local and Aboriginal communities, impact and benefit agreements (IBAs).
Improved regulations, industry-led initiatives, technological innovations, and traditional ecological knowledge to improve environmental performance.
Robust closure plans to help diversify the local economy.
Settlement of outstanding land claims and resource agreements.
Improved information sharing and coordination between different levels of government.

Mining companies are working to increase sourcing of goods and services from local communities.