Harper Government Launches Consultations to Review Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy for Extractive Sector

Key objectives of the review include creating jobs and opportunities, and further enhancing Canada’s strong reputation as a global leader in mining

December 12, 2013 – Ottawa – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada

Erin O’Toole, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, today launched a review of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy for the Extractive Sector with a round-table session in Ottawa with civil society organizations.

The consultations are part of a five-year review and will help the Government of Canada develop a plan to better assist Canadian extractive companies operating abroad with their responsible business practices. These consultations complement the cross-country extractive sector consultations that the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, held in September and October 2013.

Canadians are invited to submit comments on the CSR Strategy through the CSR website.

Quick facts

• Extractive-sector (mining and oil and gas) exports generated $124 billion in 2012, accounting for over 28 percent of total Canadian domestic exports.
• With interests in more than 8,000 properties in more than 100 countries, Canadian extractive-sector companies account for almost half the mining and exploration activity in the world.
• Nearly 3,200 suppliers provide expertise and equipment to the sector, including hundreds of engineering, environmental, legal, financial and equipment companies.

Quotes

“Canadian extractive companies are world leaders in responsible business practices, and we want to help our world-class businesses enhance their reputations as good corporate citizens and ensure that their success in global markets creates jobs and opportunities for our trading partners abroad and for Canadians here at home.”

Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade

“These consultations will assist Canada in shaping a proactive CSR strategy that is meaningful and responsible. A balanced approach will ensure our world-class extractive-sector companies are able to expand and take advantage of the dynamic, fast-growing emerging markets around the world.”

Erin O’Toole, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade

Related products

• Canada’s CSR Strategy

Additional links

• Cross-Country Extractive Sector Consultations
• Office of the Extractive Sector CSR Counsellor
• Centre for Excellence in CSR
• Project Profile: Creating the Canadian International Institute for Extractive Industries and Development

Contacts

Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
rudy.husny@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca