Letters to the Editor Minicipalieies back flwo-through

The following letter has been sent to Finance Minister Michael Wilson at Ottawa.

I would like to take this opportunity to convey to you some of the very strong feelings that many of our member municipalities have in regard to the retention of the federal government’s flow-through share financing program.

Although our association has not had the opportunity to express our wish for the retention of this program by way of resolution, you can rest assured that such a position is in tandem with our traditional position of supporting any fiscal measures that can assist our mining industry.

This particular program is without a doubt recognized by mining communities throughout northern Ontario as an unqualified success; spurring exploration, investment and mine development in what otherwise is a troubled industry.

Your flow-through provisions have not only had an appropriate and desired sectorial impact, but the program seems tailor-made to spur development in regions that sorely need it.

Mr Minister, on behalf of the 32 member municipalities of the Association of Mining Municipalities, I would not only encourage you to retain this program but to give serious consideration to its enhancement by including the early stages of mine development. Ernest Massicotte, President Association of Mining Municipalities of Ontario