LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (October 07, 1991)

Gold has, over the centuries, been regarded as a protection in case of public and personal troubles. All governments keep a supply in their treasuries. Individuals were hiding some wherever they considered it safe, such as under the legendary mattress. And the value of gold remained high.

Now, we are told, this attitude has changed. Currently, in spite of the numerous political upheavals and personal financial problems, the value of gold is falling daily. In large part, this decline is caused by too much selling by nations and individuals who are no longer interested in keeping gold.

Yet this selling is a confirmation of the validity of the traditional “protection” attitude. When nations face war, shortage of food, influx of refugees, for example, the only thing they can do is to sell from their reserves. Similarly, the individual has only this final resource. The falling price is also due to the modern factors of gold loans, forward selling and new supplies. Yet it is the excessive selling, and the new attitude, which are pulling down the price.

Perhaps, when the treasuries will be bare, and the mattresses flat, it will be time to honor gold again.

Lya Colban

Montreal

With the loss of Ontario North Now, the cancellation of the northern development councils, the denial that the TransCanada Highway will be upgraded and the loss of many transportation services, it is time to review the role of Ontario’s Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.

In 1977, a petition with 10,000 signatures stated that northern Ontario needed a separate province to determine its future. To quiet the north, the government legislated a Ministry of Northern Affairs to advocate for the special needs of northern Ontario at Queen’s Park.

In 1985, the ministry was renamed the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines to emphasize its “commitment” to greater social and economic development in the north.

The “northern development and mines” legislation makes the ministry responsible for programs and services to enhance the north’s economy, social and community services, transportation system, and mining and exploration communities.

In particular, the ministry is responsible for the 9,800-km northern highway system, new roads for economic development and the construction of resource-access roads.

The three northern development ministers — Leo Bernier, Rene Fontaine and now, Shelley Martel — were given the responsibility “to bring about change and improvement in government programs that affected northern Ontario, in response to the needs of the people of the north.”

If northern Ontario cannot depend upon the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines to stand up for us in the government, whom can we depend upon? Judy Skidmore

Executive Vice-President

Northcare

North Bay, Ont.

Regarding M.R. Brown’s column “Mining ranks behind native issues, clams, dragonflies” (T.N.M., Sept. 16/91), I thought you might be interested in the activities of the National Aboriginal Minerals Group.

The organization is composed of aboriginal geologists, chiefs, prospectors and mineral-industry entrepreneurs. There are about 50 members. The group was formed in April of this year. Ten directors were elected at a recent meeting at the office of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs in Winnipeg. At the Winnipeg meeting, mineral issues were discussed and recommendations proposed. You may be interested in knowing that one of the key issues discussed was “missed opportunities” in participating with the private sector. In the coming months, a “national aboriginal minerals workshop” will be planned (for 1992) to discuss mineral issues with the private sector, provincial and federal governments and educational institutions. A mutual understanding of aboriginal and private-sector concerns may be positive in alleviating some of the problems envisioned by those in Canada’s important mining industry.

Hans Mathews

Geologist

Chippewas of Rama First Nation

Ottawa

I have become increasingly frustrated over the years with your publication’s adherence to “traditionalism.” Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t the metric system in Canada put into effect in 1977? Why is it that The Northern Miner continues to quote grades and lengths in imperial units? As a member of a new generation of mining professionals, I was brought up to converse in the metric system. It is a much more logical and efficient system of measurement. What is a foot? To me it is something at the end of your leg, and everyone’s is a different size. How about an ounce? There are 16 in a pound (12 troy) and eight in a cup.

A significant number of mines in Canada today were brought into production since the introduction of the metric system and many of these operate in this system.

As well, although many drilling contractors still operate in the imperial system, most exploration companies immediately convert units to metric units before analysis is completed. Geophysical logging companies now use the metric system almost exclusively in Canada.

Get with the 1990s, and let’s hear about tonnes, grams, and metres. Ron Parent

Mine Geologist

Hinton, Alta.