OTTAWA, ONTARIO  – On Wednesday, Private Member’s Bill C – 300 (An Act respecting Corporate Accountability for the Activities of Mining, Oil or Gas in Developing Countries), was defeated in the House of Commons.
 
“I couldn’t be happier with this result,” said Member of Parliament for Kenora, Greg Rickford “If this Bill had passed, it would have had devastating consequences not just to Canadian mining companies, but to the livelihoods of hard working Canadians working in this sector.”
 
 Bill C-300 would have allowed for anyone to submit a complaint against a Canadian mining company with little or no reason. The bill included the same penalties as Canada's current system if a complaint is legitimate, penalties include Export Development Canada (EDC) withdrawing financial support, as well as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP)removing their investment in that mining company. However, under Bill C-300, if a complaint is false, there would be no protection for Canadian companies. This bill would have disastrous consequences for Canadian mining companies. This could also cause some companies to move their corporate operations to outside of Canada.
 
“I would like to thank the Mayor of Red Lake, Phil Vinet for all of his support during this process,” continued Mr. Rickford “His insight on this matter was invaluable.”
 
“I appreciate all the work Greg has done on this file,” said Mayor Vinet “He truly understands the issues that we face here in Northwestern Ontario.”  If passed, C-300 could have lead to the loss of jobs in Red Lake and other mining communities. “One job lost would have been one too many,” concluded Mayor Vinet.
 
“I find it disturbing that on Wednesday, the Leader of the Opposition, Michael Ignatieff, expressed concerns about this Bill, but didn’t vote against it,” said Rickford “He was able to whip his caucus to vote against abolishing the wasteful long-gun registry, but when it came to standing up for Canadian jobs and an industry that contributes billions to our economy, he was silent.”