According to the Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (OSSGA), Minister Kathleen McGarry stood in the House to introduce the long-awaited Aggregate Resources and Mining Modernization Act, a bill the government is putting forward to amend and modernize both the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) and Mining Act.
According to a press release issued by the Canadian government as the legislation was tabled, the Aggregate Resources and Mining Modernization Act, if passed, would create a modern framework to help aggregate companies and communities across the province to continue building roads, hospitals, schools and other vital infrastructure projects with these resources by:
- Better outlining and overseeing regulations for aggregate companies.
- Updating fees and royalties on aggregates to ensure fairness to companies while supporting communities.
- Increasing public participation in the extraction application process.
- The legislation would also enhance environmental accountability in the aggregates sector by balancing economic growth and job creation with the protection of vital resources like farmland, groundwater and air.
Once passed, Ontario will move forward with regulatory and policy changes to set specific fees and requirements through consultation with the public, stakeholders and aboriginal communities.
OSSGA will be reviewing the bill in detail in preparation to appear before the committee that will be tasked with reviewing the legislation.