2025.07 MINING OF CRITICAL MINERALS: EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT,CLIMATE GOALS AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Whereas # 1 the Prime Minister has recently stated that “Canada is a power house” in the extraction and upgrading of critical minerals, starting with new and expanded mines in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Ontario’s “Ring of Fire; and
Whereas #2 the Federal Government has recently enacted Bill C-5 to expedite major “National Interest Projects” and declared that mining for critical minerals is necessary for Canada if we are to move away from coal and gas, meet our climate goals, continue to use our modern technologies, and support the transition to net-zero carbon emissions; and
Whereas #3 mining is extremely pollutant and its environmental impacts inordinately affect those working and living nearby, which particularly involve First Nations People in remote areas; and
Whereas #4 some Provincial Governments are accelerating their critical mineral mining approvals by granting themselves enhanced discretionary powers to intervene in mining claims and leases; and
Whereas #5 the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development’s report to Parliament noted that Natural Resources Canada has failed to do a robust risk analysis, nor assessed the environmental and climate impact of the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy to support the achievement of their objectives of advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and promoting climate action and environmental protection; therefore be it
Resolved #1 that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that extraction and upgrading of critical minerals in Canada, be subject to rigorous, scientifically sound, independent study and precautionary legislation in order to ensure environmental protection, advancement and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and help Canada meet its climate goals; and be it further
Resolved # 2 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to:
a. apply rigorous, scientifically sound, independent study to ensure environmental
protection prior to extracting and upgrading of critical minerals as part of the fast-track projects under Bill C-5 One Canadian Economy Act,
b. implement the requirements of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development
c. consult with Provincial Governments and a broad inclusive range of Canada’s
Indigenous peoples in a meaningful and robust manner
d. report annually to the public on consultations with Indigenous peoples and the
environmental effects of the fast-track projects under Bill C-5.