Hello everyone.

Thank you Paul, thank you Marc for that introduction. And thanks to all of you for your exceptional work representing the people of Sudbury and Nickel Belt.

I know how important it is for you that middle class people have access to good jobs, which makes it even more wonderful to be here with you today.

It’s great to be here today with Premier Ford. Doug – it’s always good to see you again.

We also have Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger and Timmins Mayor George Pirie.

And I’d like to take a moment to thank Chief Boissoneau for his welcome and Chief Ray for joining us, and IAMGOLD CEO Gord Stothart for welcoming us this morning.

Before we begin, I’d like to recognize that today marks 19 years since the horrific terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Today, we remember the people we lost in this unthinkable tragedy.

They were neighbours, friends, and family. As we pay tribute to their lives, let’s also remember the bravery and the sacrifice of all the first responders who arrived on the scene and rushed into buildings as others were fleeing.

On Canada’s National Day of Service, we recognize everyone across the country who risks their lives to help others. 

In the last few months, Canadians have seen the tremendous sacrifices of women and men on the frontlines, working day and night to keep us safe. 

On behalf of all Canadians, thank you for what you’ve done, and continue to do, for our country.

It’s great to be here at the ground-breaking of the Côte Gold mine. I know that this is not just big news for the people of Gogama, but also for folks in Sudbury, Timmins, and right across Northern Ontario.

During construction, this project will create more than a thousand good jobs for people in the area, as well as 450 full-time positions once it’s completed.

This project was made possible by international partner Sumitomo Metal, and went through an environmental assessment done by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

We introduced the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan to support projects just like this one – projects that make Canada a great place to do business – and create, and protect good, lasting jobs for Canadians.   

Earlier this year, I attended the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada’s Global Mineral Exploration and Mining Convention, in Toronto.

I remember talking about how rapidly the global economy is changing and why Canada needs to be a leader in the mining sector in order to keep good jobs in our communities.

Of course, months later, the global economy has changed. But there’s one thing that has not changed - the importance of projects like this one for workers, families, and our economy.

More than ever, we will need to rebuild our economy in way that’s inclusive and fair for everyone.

That’s why it’s wonderful to see that neighbouring First Nations, Flying Post First Nation and Mattagami First Nation, are also partners in this project.

This is another example of how, when we work together, we can create good jobs for communities across Canada.

There’s no doubt that the last few months have been hard for a lot of businesses across the country because of COVID-19. And the virus is still a health threat around the world and here at home.

So as we safely reopen our economy, it will take time for us to make up the economic ground we lost to the global pandemic, but this project shows how our economy is getting back on its feet.

International investors know that Canada is a good place to do business. Even as we face tough economic times around the world, global investors have confidence in Canadians.

Right now, we have an opportunity to build a more resilient Canada – a Canada that’s healthier and safer, more inclusive and fair.

A Canada that’s both greener, and more competitive in the global economy of the future, tackling the threat of climate change while creating good jobs for years to come. As anyone in the mining industry already knows – we can’t solve climate change without strong leadership from the natural resources sector.

Just take the Borden mine, which became Canada’s first all-electric mining facility. Innovations across this sector will be crucial for a green recovery, and will help drive the clean transition that we need.

From the nickel and cobalt that are used in batteries for electric vehicles and solar panels – the mining sector is really important in building a better future for us all.

So our government stands ready to work with companies to build that more resilient, healthier country, where everyone has a real and fair chance to succeed.

This sector has an opportunity to create good, sustainable jobs for Canadians, stimulate our economy and pave the way for a green restart. And that begins with projects like this one.

We will continue to work with all orders of government to ensure a better future for all Canadians.

Thank you.