Premier calls Ontario Mines Minister George Pirie mining "genius" at news conference

"During these transformative times, it’s important to remember that Canada is the United States’ most reliable trading partner. Throughout our history, we’ve worked together to build one of the most integrated and mutually beneficial economic relationships in the world.

Both of our countries’ economies are deeply entwined, and we need to strengthen these ties now more than ever. As we set our sights on building the economy of the future, we know that critical minerals are going to be essential, and Ontario has them in abundance.

Our province is home to deposits of cesium, lithium, titanium, germanium, gallium, and more. Not only does Ontario possess vast resources, but we also have a highly skilled mining workforce, a robust manufacturing sector, and an attractive and highly competitive business environment.

Critical minerals are powering the technologies that will define the 21st century—essential items we depend on like batteries, electric vehicles, clean energy systems, medical equipment, advanced defense technologies, and more that we have not yet realized. All of these things rely on critical minerals.

Minerals mined in Ontario are already part of a vast cross-border supply chain and used in American and Canadian-made products. For example, most of the nickel that feeds the American aerospace and defense industries comes from Ontario. Talc, mined in Timmins, is exported to the United States to make catalytic converters and other automotive parts.

Ontario’s critical mineral strategy has attracted over $45 billion in investment in electric vehicles and battery manufacturing since 2020. This is part of our government’s ambitious plan to ensure that electric vehicles of the future are built and powered using our integrated supply chain, talent, technology, and materials.

I want to finish by saying that Ontario is ready to mine, ready to manufacture, ready to trade, and ready to power the economies of the future. In partnership with our American allies, we can ensure that Ontario’s resources drive prosperity and security for the US and Canada for generations to come.

As Ontario’s Minister of Mines, I am excited and optimistic about the Premier’s Amcan Growth Plan, and I am thankful for his leadership. And now, over to our Premier, who quite frankly is leading the charge for all of Canada."

Tags: Northern Ontario / Government / Metals / All Articles