Minister of Northern Development and Mines
Ministre du Developpment du Nord et des Mines

February 2, 1999

Government Supports Task Force Recommendation on Mining
The Government will work with the province's geoscience community to establish a self-regulating professional association for geoscientists in Ontario, Northern Development and Mines Minister Chris Hodgson announced today.

Hodgson was responding to a recommendation from the Mining Standards Task Force report released today by the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE) and the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC). The task force was formed in April 1997 with a view to recommending approaches to reinforce public and investor confidence in the mining industry and securities markets.

"We will help the Association of Geoscientists of Ontario to further consult with the people affected by this initiative," said Hodgson. "Ontario is among the last provinces that do not provide registration for geoscience professionals. It's time we caught up with the rest of the country."

Geoscientists include a wide range of earth science professionals such as geologists, geophysicists, geochemists and hydrogeologists.

"Ontario is open for business. It's one of the best places for mining investments in the world. By supporting the TSE/OSC Mining Standards Task Force recommendation to regulate geoscientists, this government is showing its commitment to make Ontario an even better place to invest," said Hodgson.


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For further information: Cam Baker Jean-Francois Bolduc Mike Low
MNDM - Sudbury MNDM - Toronto MNDM - Minister's Office
(705) 670-5902 (416) 327-0621 (416) 314-2197


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