Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre says the collapse of trade talks with the United States is a challenge for Canada’s economy, but also presents an opportunity for cities such as Greater Sudbury. “There is no question that there is short-term risk here,” Lefebvre said in a news release. “Our nickel, copper and cobalt move into American markets every day, and our mining supply and service companies operate across the border … An escalating trade war will have an impact on businesses, workers and families in Greater Sudbury.” However, while there are risks, he said the trade fight with the U.S. is also an opportunity to change the way the mining industry operates. “For too long, the model has essentially been, ‘mine the resource, process some of it, and sell it into someone else’s supply chain,’” Lefebvre said. “Now there’s an opportunity to think much bigger. Mine in northern Ontario. Process and refine in northern Ontario. Manufacture higher-value products here in Ontario, across Canada and sell those products to markets around the world.” It’s key that Canada controls their own critical minerals supply chain, he said. “That is how we turn Canada’s critical mineral resources into Canadian jobs, Canadian businesses and Canadian economic security,” Lefebvre said. “In an increasingly uncertain world, countries that control their own critical mineral supply chains will have a strategic advantage. Canada’s future depends not only on what we mine, but on what we process, manufacture and export.” Nine operating mines, more to come There are nine operating mines in the city with more in the works, the mayor said, presenting Sudbury a chance “to help lead that transformation.” “We have more than a century of mineral processing expertise, two smelters, two refineries, a world-class mining supply and service sector, post-secondary institutions, research and innovation capacity, skilled workers and the infrastructure to build on it,” he said. “Canada does not need to start from scratch. The foundation already exists in Greater Sudbury.” Lefebvre said he is “renewing” his call to make the city a special economic zone, a designation he said would give Sudbury “the tools needed to attract investment, accelerate industrial development and strengthen Canada’s critical mineral supply chain at a time when global competition for capital is intensifying.” “I will be taking that message directly to Prime Minister Carney and Premier (Doug) Ford in the coming days,” Lefebvre added. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: If we want to build a stronger Canada and protect Ontario, we must empower Greater Sudbury.”
