Yukon Mine Training Association - Notes for an address by

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

It’s great to be with you today in Whitehorse; and great to be here in the North. This truly is the heartland of Canadian mining. For more than 100 years, mining and Yukon have been synonymous. I’m tempted to say that they go together like a pick and shovel, or a pan and sluice.

In fact, when Canadians think of mining, names from your maps, from your history, from your folklore immediately come to mind. Names such as Fortymile River and Eldorado Creek. Mount Skukum and the Anvil Range. Dan McGrew, his sweetheart Lou and prospector Sam McGee.

As Yukon’s most successful and influential business leaders, you appreciate the historic, cultural and economic legacy of this territory’s mining industry. You recognize the vital role the industry has played in spurring growth and development across generations. You know that Yukon’s very existence was born out of mining—was born as a result of Skookum Jim Mason, and Kate and George Carmack discovering gold on Bonanza Creek and setting off one of the greatest resource booms in history.

Yukon’s rich association with mining isn’t a thing of the past. Not by a long shot. Mining is alive and well in the territory. Since 2007, mineral exploration companies have invested more than $300 million in Yukon. Many of these companies are making exciting finds on their properties. Just last year, a major discovery was made in the territory’s White Gold District (what was found?).

These investments are starting to pay off—for the companies involved and for Yukoners. The Minto mine opened in 2007. Many other projects—such as Wolverine Mine near Ross River—are scheduled to begin production. And even more mines are poised for further development in the coming years.

But the minerals from those mines aren’t going to get to market on their own. We’re going to need skilled workers to dig, process and ship the gold, silver, copper, zinc and tungsten that lies beneath the surface of this great territory.

How many workers? According to the latest figures, Canada’s mining industry is going to need 92,000 new workers by 2020—that’s an additional 9,200 trained professionals each and every year for the next ten years. A majority of those new workers are going to be needed right here in Yukon.

What’s driving this unprecedented requirement for skilled labour? Well, increasing international demand for minerals and precious metals has encouraged Canada’s mining industry to boost exploration, open new mines and expand current projects. And as I mentioned, we’re seeing this fact right here in Yukon.

So how do we address such an unprecedented HR challenge? We grow our talent right here.

That’s what brings me here today. I’m pleased to announce that our Government through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, will provide $2.25 million to the Yukon Mining Training Association. The Association will use $1.5 million of this amount to purchase a mine-equipment simulator, and $750,000 to further develop the association’s Yukon Mine Training Program.

Both investments are crucial. They’ll give the Yukon mining industry the resources it needs to make sure people in your communities get the training they need to access and retain jobs in mining. And, with the focus on training, individuals completing the YMTA programs will have a strong chance of being hired.

I’m especially excited about the potential of the mining simulator. Since it’s portable, the simulator can be brought directly into mining areas to train people right where they live. In fact, YMTA programs are designed to be accessible for individuals often living in rural Yukon communities. That’s going to be especially advantageous for young men and women who live in First Nation communities that are near to potential mine sites.

The Association’s Yukon Mine Training Program will also be used to bring instructors and training tools to the local level. This direct approach will make it possible for 500 men and women each year to receive the training they need to take full advantage of the rich opportunities that exist in today’s mining industry—opportunities for these men and women not merely to find jobs, but to build strong futures for themselves, for their families, and for the land they call home.

I can tell you that Prime Minister Harper believes in those strong futures—in the vast human and economic potential—of Canada’s North. It is this belief that has inspired this Government to support Yukon’s mining industry; to support local tourism destinations, including the Yukon Wildlife Preserve that I announced funding to earlier today; to support the City of Whitehorse’s virtual tradeshow; and to support the partnerships being nurtured by the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce.

It’s that belief that inspires all of our efforts to work with Yukoners to nurture a skilled workforce; to improve the competitiveness of local industries; to create and maintain good jobs; and to take advantage of emerging development opportunities that benefit all Yukoners.

We are committed to supporting job growth, exciting opportunities, and strong futures— in the North, and right here in Yukon.

Thank you. Merci.