Minister of Northern Development and Mines
99 Wellesley St. W.
5th Floor, Whitney Block
Room 5630
Toronto, ON M7A 1W3
Tel: (416) 327-0633
Fax: (416) 327-0665

Ministre du Developpment du Nord et des Mines
99 rue Wellesley ouest
5th etage, Edifice Whitney
Bureau 5630
Toronto, ON M7A 1W3
Telephone: (416) 327-0633
Telecopier: (416) 327-0665

Log No: X98-2687

Nov. 13, 1998

Dr. William N. Pearson, Ph. D., P. Geo.
Association of Geoscientists of Ontario
Suite 200
365 Bay Street
Toronto,. Ontario
M5H 2V1

Dear Dr. Pearson;

Thank you for your recent letter as a follow-up to the meeting of representatives of the Association of Geoscientists (AGO) and Ministry staff. I take it from your letter , and feedback provided by staff, that the meeting was valuable and provided an understanding of the issues raised by both parties.

I agree that moving to address the licensing issue in a time frame that falls within the transitional period defined in the Mining Standards Task Force Report is a needed step to ensure Ontario remains an international centre for mining related risk capital and expertise. Once the final report is released, the government will be in a better position to begin weighing the options for legislation. At that time, we will rely heavily on organizations like the AGO for advice and guidance form its members.

In order to ensure that the licensing of geoscientists proceeds with due consideration, I requested the Deputy Minister for Northern Development and Mines, Mr. Donald A. Obsonsawin, meet with you and other representatives of the AGO. This meeting will, amongst other topics, deal with the practicalities off developing a strategy to address the licensing issue.

I look forward to hearing the results of this meeting.

Yours sincerely,

Hon. Chris Hodgson
Minister of Northern Development and Mines

cc: Mr. Donald A. Obsonsawin
Deputy Minister