General Information
(Creation Year & Reason)

Sept 1994 - Signing of Leadership Accord (the culmination of an extensive multi-stakeholder consultation process)

Reason: The Canadian minerals and metals industry proposed the WMI process with a view to promoting a common vision among stakeholders respecting the future of the industry.

Initiator(s)

The industry (the Mining Association of Canada) sponsored the initiative. The Government of Canada facilitated its development. Participants included the industry, interested governments, labour, national aboriginal organizations, the environmental community, and academics.

Objectives(s)

A socially, economically and environmentally sustainable, and prosperous mining industry, underpinned by political and Community consensus

Timeframes and Milestones

All WMI participants undertook to implement the principles and goals of the WMI Leadership Accord within their respective spheres. (Note: the Accord was not a legally binding agreement.)
Nov 1995 - Participants meeting held to discuss the status of implementation of the principles and goals.

Implementation Process

Four multi-stakeholder working groups had been established: under the WMI consultative process, addressing the following areas:

• Finance/Taxation

• Environment

• Land Access

• Workforce/Workplace/Community.

Each working group made a set of recommendations on supporting actions which would be taken.

Monitoring Process & Parties

A progress report (January 1996/Issue 2) summary of the results of the Nov 1995 discussions.

Success in Achieving Stated Objectives

All Participants have sought to fulfill the principles and goals of the WMI. At the federal level the Government of Canada released, in November 1996, a Minerals and Metals Policy based upon the concept of sustainable development - integrating social, economic and environmental considerations.

In July 1998, National Resources Canada fulfilled a specific WMI commitment to prepare a paper for stakeholders entitled Land Access, Protected Areas and Sustainable Development.

In its policy initiative such as regulatory reform and offshore minerals management, Natural Resources Canada has actively consulted with the WMI community.

Provincial and territorial governments have adopted similar approaches

Public Education & Information Components

The Leadership Accord, Issue Group Reports and other reports are available in hard copy or on the Internet at http://www.NRCan.gc.ca:80/mms/ms-home.htm

Replication Potential

High. Especially as a model where provincial/territorial jurisdictions and federal responsibilities come together.

Mechanisms for Improvement

The WMI would have benefited from a formal secretariat to co-ordinate such a substantial consultative process.

Contacts for Further Information