Canadian Minister of Natural Resources Calls for Permitting Reform

Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources of Canada, stated at the Prospectors Developers Association of Canada Confernece that Canada is working to ease the permitting process for mining companies.

Wilkinson reportely suggested that Canada offer tax incentives and reforms to get companies to invest in clean energy, much like what the U.S. has done with the Inflation Reduction Act.

“We are reviewing Canada’s regulatory process for clean energy projects including critical minerals,” Wilkinson said.

As one fothe largest mining conferences in North America, attendees were eager for clues on upcoming policy changes or implementations. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration has shared a hawkish stance on China, one of the largest investors in mines around the world, including in Canada.

Smaller companies have expressed concern that limiting outside investment could impact their plans.