TRANSPORTATION: MAC applauds federal plan for Canada’s North

[caption id="attachment_1003719070" align="aligncenter" width="702"] Reliable transportation in Canada’s North will encourage resource development and economic opportunities. (Credit: Northern Ontario Business)[/caption] OTTAWA – The Mining Association of Canada says it applauds the most recent announcement concerning the federal government’s infrastructure plan – the Trade and Transportation Initiative (TTCI). The Canadian government has pledged a total of $2 billion over 11 years will be spent on the critical assets necessary to support economic activity and move goods or  people in Canada. Of that total, $400 million will be spent on transportation infrastructure in the North. "The federal government has made a significant commitment to Northern Canada through the Trade and Transportation Corridors Initiative," said MAC president and CEO Pierre Gratton. "We believe the government's commitment to northern infrastructure investment is both bold and essential for Canada's long term economic growth, and certain to help attract new private sector investment." The mining industry is in a unique position to benefit from the government’s promise. Reliable transportation in the north will make it possible to lower the costs of exploration, development and mining. A study conducted by MAC found that the cost of mine building is two or two-and-half times as high in the North than it is in southern parts of the country. One area that would benefit greatly from infrastructure development is the Ring of Fire in Northern Ontario. And when new mines are developed, new jobs and economic opportunities will follow, particularly for northern residents most of whom are aboriginal. Visitors to www.Mining.ca can learn about all of MAC’s initiatives.