Another Central Canada Mining Expo (Cen-Can) has wrapped up in Thunder Bay.
The event welcomed mining companies, Indigenous leaders, government officials, suppliers, and investors together to explore how Canada can accelerate the production of the metals needed for a low-carbon economy.
The event took place at the Fort William Gardens on Wednesday and Thursday.
“The event is geared to the mining industry, but it also carries a lot of product and service overlap for other industries, such as the energy sector, the forestry sector, as well as heavy construction and civil engineering,” explained Cen-Can Expo President Glenn Dredhart.
“Our attendance was double what we had last year, and you’re going to continue to see that attendance grow year after year.”
The plan is for Cen-Can to be held annually moving forward.
The first expo was held four years ago.
“It’s been constantly growing,” added Dredhart. “It’s a matter of getting the word out there that, you know, Thunder Bay is open, open for business, and they’re actually opening their arms to an industry that is fairly new to the area, not new to let’s say, a community like Red Lake, but new to Thunder Bay.”
Although no mines are operating in the City of Thunder Bay, many businesses in the region have set up their offices in the area.
Mining has become one of the most significant industries in the region.
“Canada is competing with other countries right now on a global stage for the mining industry,” said Dredhart. “We need to advance our projects a little quicker. We need to work closer with our indigenous communities and partners, and we need to start working trilaterally.”
“Government, company, and our indigenous communities. Once we can get everyone at the table and you know move forward on some of these major projects, such as the Ring of Fire, I think you’re going to see a stronger Canada. You’ll see a stronger Ontario, and Northern Ontario is where it’s happening.”
According to the provincial government, the mining sector is a major economic driver for the province as a whole, supporting 31,000 direct jobs and 46,000 indirect jobs (processing, mining supply and services).
Students with the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board attended the event to gain an understanding of the potential available careers for them upon graduation.
“There are over 100 career positions, you know, different types of positions,” added Dredhart. “So if you want a good-paying job, a good stable job, and a career, then mining is the place to be.”
