With the demand for critical minerals expected to grow expeditiously in the coming years, the Newfoundland and Labrador NDP is committed to seizing the opportunity to invest in our natural resources and unlock our province’s true potential. Today, Leader Jim Dinn announced the NDP’s Critical Mineral Strategy to build up Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy and create good-paying jobs.
“We have a tremendous opportunity here in the province to make ourselves a national leader in critical mineral resources,” said Dinn. “Critical minerals are fueling the economy of the future and I don’t want Newfoundland and Labrador left sitting on the sideline – I want us leading the pack.”
“We have the potential to create thousands of good-paying jobs that help fuel and develop our local economies,” Dinn continued. “We will be the forward-thinking government that can bring a better deal to the province, helping steer investment, guide development, and make sure the people of this province become the prime beneficiaries of our resources.”
While both the Liberals and Conservatives have failed to see the immense opportunity in front of us, Dinn says the NDP sees the importance of our natural resources, and will invest $5 million a year into attracting new investment. The strategy would create a special Critical Minerals section within the Department of Industry, Energy, and Technology that would help guide companies through the regulatory process so they can start mining sooner – increasing funding to the Geological Survey so that mining companies can concentrate more on project development.
This new section focused on development will also conduct studies to determine what transportation infrastructure – such as new roads, rail lines, and ports – is needed to deliver our critical minerals to market more cost-effectively and efficiently.
“We will ensure that the projects are socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, and offer maximum value to the province,” assured Dinn. “Our position for all new resource projects is the same – Newfoundlanders and Labradorians must be the primary beneficiaries.”
“At the end of the day, this is about our future. We need to ensure the province is well positioned to be a leader in the industries of tomorrow. That’s how you get a better deal for Newfoundland and Labrador.”