Letters to the Editor CANMET gearing for the future

I read with interest your recent editorial on the changing times and the role that the Canada Centre for Mineral and Energy Technology, (CANMET), must play in the future. I thought I would write to let you know of some of the changes which have taken place along these lines.

There has been a substantial change in the last few years in CANMET’s interaction with industry, and this has led to improved industry relevance and technology transfer.

CANMET was recently awarded a silver medal for technology transfer, and has been associated with many leading-edge technologies. It has also been a centre for research on health, safety and environmental matters, work which does not always have a direct economic return but which is vital to industry nonetheless.

Recent studies have all reinforced the view that there are great challenges ahead for the mineral industry, and that we must be completely certain that CANMET’s operations are clearly and visibly linked to the needs of industry in these challenging times.

We agree, and have taken steps along these lines.

The advisory committee that guides the work of CANMET will be strengthened and will now report directly to me, and I have given a personal commitment of time and access.

A new business subcommittee is being formed, and the members of this group will review the direct services provided to industry, their relevance to industry needs and will provide management advice.

Over-all, CANMET is an organization which is gearing up for the future, and I can assure you that the organization would very much welcome the industry taking “the bull by the horns,” and working closely with them to ensure the closest possible co-operation.

Difficult choices must be made in research and this is why the participation of industry is so important. I believe that this is the real challenge facing both industry and government today, and I appreciate the attention that you have drawn to this important issue. Gerald S. Merrithew Minister of State Forestry and Mines Ottawa