Government of Canada Policy

The Minerals and Metals Policy of
 the Government of Canada

Partnerships for Sustainable Development

Table of Contents

• Foreword
• Executive Summary
• Introduction
  • Purpose
    • Promoting Economic Growth and Job Creation
    • Furthering an Efficient and Effective Federation
    • Meeting the Challenge of Sustainable Development
  • The Relevance of Minerals and Metals to Canada
    • The Economic Contribution of Minerals and Metals
    • The Globalization of the Minerals and Metals Industry
  • The Role of the Federal Government in Minerals and Metals
    • Provincial Jurisdiction
    • Core Federal Responsibilities
    • Progress through Partnerships
  • Defining Sustainable Development in the Context of Minerals and Metals
  • The Objectives of the Minerals and Metals Policy
• Federal Decisions in Minerals and Metals: Implementing a Sustainable Development Approach
  • Sustainable Development as the Integration of Environmental, Economic and Social Objectives in Decision-Making
  • Principles for Sustainable Development-Based Decision-Making
    • A Responsive Public Policy Framework
    • The Role of the Market Mechanism
    • The Role of Regulation
    • The Role of Non-Regulatory Approaches
    • The Importance of Science
    • Endorsement of the Concept of Pollution Prevention
    • Affirmation of the Precautionary Principle
    • Recognition of the Polluter Pays Principle
• The Business Climate: Ensuring the Competitiveness of Canada's Minerals and Metals Industry
  • Attracting Investment: “Canada is Open for Business and Committed to Sustainable Development”
  • Finance and Taxation
  • Regulatory Efficiency
  • Helping Exporters of Minerals and Metals and Related Products and Services
• Minerals, Metals and Society: Promoting Products, Markets and Stewardship
  • The Policy Significance of Environmental Issues Related to Minerals and Metals
    • Life-Cycle Management
    • Risk Assessment and Management
  • Health and the Environment
    • The Safe Use Principle
    • Defining and Implementing the Safe Use Principle
  • Recycling of Minerals and Metals
  • Mine Reclamation
  • Land Access and Protected Areas
    • Protected Areas Commitments
    • Establishing Protected Areas
• Aboriginal Communities: Promoting Involvement in Minerals and Metals Activities
• Science and Technology: Progress through Innovation
  • Federal Science and Technology in Minerals and Metals
  • The Importance of Partnerships
  • Strategic Directions in Science and Technology
    • Providing a Comprehensive Geoscience Knowledge Base
    • Supporting a Sustainable Minerals and Metals Industry
    • Enhancing the Health and Safety of Canadians
    • Promoting the Competitiveness of the Canadian Industry
    • Developing Value-Added Mineral and Metal Products
• Minerals and Metals at the Iinternational Level: Providing Leadership in the Implementation of Sustainable Development
  • Trade Liberalization and Investment
  • Sound Management of Minerals and Metals
  • Bilateral and Regional Cooperation
  • Technical Cooperation
  • Consultations with Stakeholders
• Measurement and Follow-up
  • Criteria and Indicators
  • Implementation and Accountability