Quebec Mining Vs Indigenous Safety

Get Outlook for Android From: J Birch Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2020 6:15:43 PM To: Francois.Legault.ASSO@assnat.qc.ca <Francois.Legault.ASSO@assnat.qc.ca>; Blanchet, Yves-François - Député <Yves-Francois.Blanchet@parl.gc.ca>; justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca <justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca>; Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca <Chrystia.Freeland@parl.gc.ca>; dujarric@un.org <dujarric@un.org>; GlobalOttawa@globalnews.ca <GlobalOttawa@globalnews.ca>; InfoPubs@aadnc-aandc.gc.ca <InfoPubs@aadnc-aandc.gc.ca>; brookewillis@eastlink.ca <brookewillis@eastlink.ca> Subject: Quebec Mining vs Indigenous Safety (Opinion) Hey Everyone, I was reading a story about how they are going to reopen mining in Quebec and how a few first nations are concerned given the pandemic. The story talked about how they are going to use mitigation techniques to minimize interaction with the communities. Including more planes, longer rotations and PPE for each worker. I was also thinking that perhaps we should try to make these areas as self sufficient as possible to reduce the need for supply runs that could compromise safety of the surrounding residents. Essentially making mining camps more like colonies that are self sufficient and fully supplied. Water filtration systems, recycling options and medical supplies can allow mining camps to implement better quarantine and environmental protocols. Even utilizing RVS and campers to increase social distancing and allow for more environmental protections. I think that direct communication between the government, indigenous leaders and the mining companies will allow us to control the spread of people within native land and allow for greater protections for all involved. In addition, for mining in general it might be a great option to train and hire indigenous people to not only increase prosperity among first nations but also allow companies better knowledge of the surrounding land. Since they live on the land they can consult and advise to any dangers physical, safety wise and environmentally in real time. This will ensure the company has greater visibility on the land dynamics of that specific area, greater relations with the indigenous communities and also allow companies to avoid environmental disasters and the levies that come with it. These were just a few thoughts I was having and wanted to share to see if we can evolve the mining framework and pandemic response all in one. Stay Safe, Stay Sanitized and Stay Supportive, John Ames Birch @johneames2