Gravelle gives thumbs up to Cliffs decision

Nickel Belt MP Claude Gravelle is throwing his support behind Cliffs Resources' announcement to build a new smelter in Capreol that company officials project will bring more than a 1,000 jobs for the Greater Sudbury region.

“The president of Cliffs Resources told me (May 9) the company is forecasting 450 construction jobs starting in late 2013 and then another 450 jobs when the smelter is up and running in 2016 with many more spin off jobs for the community,” Gravelle said in a press release.

Gravelle also applauded the statement by the United Steelworkers National Director Ken Neumann that acknowledged the Steelworkers’ 30-year history working with Aboriginal groups and it being incumbent that agreements be reached so their communities can fully participate and share in its long-term benefits.

In February, Gravelle met with Cliffs Resources officials after they testified at federal hearings into the Ring of Fire project. Gravelle had succeeded in having Ottawa’s Natural Resources Committee hold special meetings on the Ring of Fire project as MPs were studying the development of northern resources.

“Testimony was clear then that the mining companies needed clarity on rules around the duty to consult and they wanted to comply,” Gravelle said. “First Nations communities made it clear they are pro development and expect to be partners where their communities benefit and the environment is respected.”

Posted by Arron Pickard