Strengthening Canada’s Natural Resources Sector

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 23, 2025

Supporting Sustainable Mining and Strengthening Canada’s Natural Resources Sector

As Member of Parliament since 2015, and in my roles as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, I’ve seen firsthand how vital mining and resource development are to the strength of our local economy, and to Canada’s future.

Home to major mining producers, innovative post-secondary institutions, and one of the largest concentrations of small and medium-sized industry-related companies, Northern Ontario’s mining sector plays a vital role in Canada’s Critical Minerals Plan, fueling economic growth and job creation across the region. Further, the north is playing a central role in building Canada’s clean energy industry. These resources are essential for electric vehicles, renewable power, and battery technology, and global demand is only growing.

As we explore opportunities for expanding mining operations, we must ensure that the rights of First Nations and their lands are fully respected. It’s not just about extraction—it’s about doing it right. Our government is committed to supporting sustainable, Indigenous-led projects that protect the environment and deliver long-term economic benefits. We’re investing in innovation, reducing emissions in mining, and ensuring that communities share in the prosperity.

This stands in contrast to past Conservative approaches, which led to over 150 court challenges due to a failure to meaningfully engage with Indigenous communities or uphold environmental safeguards. It cannot be a one-man show, as Pierre Poilievre would have it. Leadership is about collaboration, not division. That’s how we build sustainable, inclusive development that benefits Northern Ontario while preserving our natural resources for future generations.

Through programs like the Critical Minerals Strategy and the Green Mining Innovation Initiative, we’ve further anchored Canada as a global leader in responsible mining, while creating good-paying jobs here at home.

In the face of recent U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports, our government has responded decisively with countermeasures to protect our industries. We've implemented $30 billion in counter-tariffs and introduced support programs like extended Work-Sharing agreements and Employment Insurance enhancements to assist affected workers and businesses.

Locally, we've made significant investments to bolster our mining sector. For example, Electra Battery Materials Corp., received $15 million in Canadian funding through FedNor and Natural Resources Canada, is moving forward with the completion of North America’s first industrial-scale cobalt sulfate refinery in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario.

We’re also advancing transformative opportunities like the Ring of Fire—one of the most promising mineral deposits in the world. Realizing this vital development will require strong collaboration and commitment from all levels of government. As we move forward, we must ensure that economic growth goes hand in hand with the protection of Indigenous rights and our environment.

Another example of innovation and sustainability in our region is the recent $1.48 million federal investment in IAMGOLD’s Côté Gold mine through the Low Carbon Economy Fund. This funding will help transition the mine away from diesel-powered equipment by supporting the purchase of electric-powered dewatering pumps, mobile lighting towers, and infrastructure upgrades. The project is expected to eliminate 7,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2030. Côté Gold is a model for low-emission mining, powered by autonomous haul trucks and drills. Over its 18-year mine life, it’s expected to contribute $10 billion to Ontario’s GDP, generate 600 full-time jobs, and strengthen Canada’s leadership in sustainable mining practices.

On a broader scale, Canada Nickel recently received nearly $3.4 million from the federal government through the Energy Innovation Program’s Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage initiative. Its in-process tailings (IPT) carbonation technology, developed at the Crawford Nickel Sulphide Project, could sequester up to 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 annually, making it one of the largest carbon storage facilities in the country. This project, along with five other next-generation initiatives receiving federal funding, highlights how our region is helping lead the shift toward a low-carbon economy.

We have long been internationally recognized for our mining expertise and our ability to forge strong, collaborative partnerships. These strengths will continue to bolster Canada’s global reputation as we confront harmful tariffs and explore new international opportunities. If re-elected, I will strongly advocate within caucus for increased investment in infrastructure—beyond what has already been committed—and for an expanded mandate for the Canada Growth Fund to support a broader range of natural resource projects. This is how Canada can truly assert itself as a global powerhouse in critical minerals.

I have always been, and remain, a dedicated advocate for Northern Ontario. I will continue to raise a strong voice for our region and work tirelessly to ensure our communities receive the support they need to grow and thrive for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Marc G. Serré, Federal Liberal Candidate

Sudbury East—Manitoulin—Nickel Belt