Ontario Chamber of Commerce mining report calls for more investment

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce is calling on government to do more to encourage mining development in the province, including in the Ring of Fire.

In a report released Tuesday, the chamber says both the province and the federal government need to invest in the struggling mining sector.

• First Nations have their voices heard in Ring of Fire doc

Chamber president Allan O'Dette says he hopes the chamber's recommendations will be reflected when the province renews its mineral development strategy.

"We think that a focus on infrastructure in particular in northern Ontario will also help us be prepared for the future," he said.

The recommendations include:

• Create a revenue-sharing framework between government and First Nations "to provide certainty surrounding the benefits that these communities will gain from mineral resource development."
• Increase tax credits meant to encourage investment in exploration companies.
• Increase Ontario's investment in mining research and innovation.
• Use "global demand for Ontario mining expertise" to create new business.

O'Dette said the Ring of Fire is critically important, but that this report is also about the broader mining sector, which he notes is worth billions to the province.

He says he hopes the change in federal government will inspire renewed co-operation between all levels of government.