When StStew Fumerton told me there would be a special issue of the Explorationist coming out in December, I wanted to take the opportunity to contribute an article. After years of being a regular contributor, I thought it would be nice to get one more in.

As an ex-explorationist, I can tell you that life is very different here in Kingston. It is next to impossible to find anyone to have a conversation about mining with. Even the Queen’s geology staff feels that once they leave the walls of Miller Hall, the knowledge and interest level of mining/exploration drops to zero. I am thankful to have my good friends, Ken and Pat Watson, close by so we can do some geology reminiscing once in awhile.

During all the years of Save Our North and lobbying all levels of government, we used to think that we actually could make a difference and educate the average citizen on the benefits of mining. The people we were trying to convince were the folks from southern Ontario who carried the voting majority and who wanted to increase the amount of protected land in the province, not knowing the impact it had on northern jobs. Well, now that I am one of those southern Ontario folks, I can see that we never had a chance.

The Ontario Living Legacy television ads depicting Premier Harris proudly telling everyone how Ontario has increased the amount of parkland faster than any other province certainly has impact. The beautiful scenery and wildlife shots make the folks down here think that this was the right decision. It is unfortunate that the ads couldn’t be accompanied by some employment statistics or some way of showing that these parks were made at a cost to the northern economy and way of life.

Outside of the odd sand pit or rock quarry, there is no visible impact of mining on the way of life here. The economy is strong and based on technology, manufacturing and service industries, and no one sees their livelihood in jeopardy if no new mines are found in Ontario. 93% of Ontario’s citizens are quite content, thank you.

I’m not sure what the answer is and maybe there is no answer. Until the decline in Ontario’s mining industry actually affects Queen’s Park revenues or the southern standard of living, no one will notice. That will take some time and perhaps by then it will be too late. I’m sure that everyday there are more good mining people leaving the industry saying, “that’s enough”.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Bob Calhoun and all the members of the Porcupine Prospectors and Developers Association for the Lifetime Membership that they presented to me at the Dance in April. I certainly miss my association with the group in Timmins and I appreciate the gift and recognition. I also want to wish Stew Fumerton all the best in Alberta’s oil patch and thank him for all of his efforts on behalf of the PPDA and SON and especially being Editor of the Explorationist.

As a final plug for myself, I would like everyone to know that I am building my new business as an Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities in Kingston. I would welcome all my friends and exploration associates to give me a call. I can be reached at (613) 549-6958 or 1-800-267-0918; email: bruce.jeffery@ris.com; or visit my website at www.investwithbruce.com.

Bruce D. Jeffery
A Past-President and Lifetime Member
PPDA

After a lot of work by the PDAC, the Canadian Diamond Drillers Association, with support from the BC Chamber of Mines, the Quebec Prospectors Association and others, the “Focussed Flow Through” idea was part of the Federal Mini Budget on October 25th. The “Ways and Means” motion that brought the Mini Budget into effect was passed by Parliament on October 26th, then silence!

I’ve searched both the Globe and Mail and the National Post to see if there was any commentary by the financial community. The only internet hit I could get was a 1996 reference in the Globe and Mail to changes in the last “Flow Through” program. This has to be discouraging to explorationists that try so hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel.