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Mining inquiry not needed: labour minister

Despite calls from the Sudbury community for an inquiry examining mining safety in the province, Minister of Labour Yasir Naqvi said he thinks more can be accomplished without such a probe.
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A new Fraser Institute ranking of mining jurisdictions in Canada and around the world shows Ontario is not the top spot in this country or the globe, but it’s not in last spot either. Supplied photo.
Despite calls from the Sudbury community for an inquiry examining mining safety in the province, Minister of Labour Yasir Naqvi said he thinks more can be accomplished without such a probe.

“I'm confident that we can continue to build even a safer mining sector without having a formal inquiry,” he said. “I'm not sure if an inquiry, per se, can accomplish everything. I think for me, I want swift action.”

Without the benefit of a mining safety inquiry, the Ministry of Labour has taken such steps as appointing a chief prevention officer, who is looking at best practices in the mining industry.

It's also implemented safety blitzes at the province's mines, he said.

“What I'm focused on is making sure that we are making changes, that we are putting in place rules and regulations and policies that make mining even safer in Ontario.”

Naqvi, who became the Minister of Labour in February, also repeated some of his predecessor's reasons for not holding a mining inquiry.

He said the Ministry of Labour laid charges against Vale and supervisor Keith Birnie under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and court proceedings are currently underway.

“Also, there is in Ontario a mandatory coroner's inquest every time there is a mining fatality,” Naqvi said. “That also will take place, and will produce recommendations.”

The sister of one of two miners who died in a 2011 accident at Vale's Stobie Mine said Naqvi and Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle met with the families a few months ago.

At the time, the politicians told them it might be possible to hold a review of mining safety instead, said Briana Fram, the sister of Jordan Fram.

“It just wouldn't be as comprehensive as an inquiry would be,” she said, adding that a review would look at more specific things, as opposed to an inquiry, which would examine the industry as a whole.

But when Northern Life asked Naqvi about the issue, he wouldn't say whether a review of mining safety will take place, or when exactly a decision about the issue would be made.

“We're looking at our options right now,” he said. “I will be outlining some steps in the near future, as to what course we'll be taking.”

When asked why the province would call an inquiry into the June 2012 collapse of the Elliot Lake mall which killed two women, and not mining safety, Naqvi said he wasn't involved in the decision to launch the Elliot Lake inquiry.

A recent press release from the Steelworkers, which represents Vale miners, said they requested to meet with Premier Kathleen Wynne on May 16, looking to plead the case for a mine safety inquiry in Ontario.

Two months later, on July 24, Wynne responded, turning down the meeting request and referring the matter back to Naqvi.

The Steelworkers called for an inquiry into mining safety in a report into the deaths of Fram and co-worker Jason Chenier. The Fram and Chenier families, along with other citizens who want a mining inquiry, also formed a group last year called Mining Inquiry Needs Everyone's Support (MINES).

Naqvi said the fact the issue was referred to him shows Premier Kathleen Wynne is taking it seriously.

“She forwarded a letter to the Minister of Labour because she knows that I'm working on this area, and this is an important priority for our government,” he said.

“The premier is very aware of the issues. My job on her behalf and on behalf of all Ontarians is to take the necessary steps to ensure that our mining sector is safe.”

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Heidi Ulrichsen

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