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Mayor Paul Lefebvre Emphasizes Greater Sudbury’s Role in Canada’s Critical Minerals Race in Canadian Club Toronto Speech

Mayor Paul Lefebvre spoke today at the Canadian Club Toronto’s “Mining in the New Political Era” event, where he emphasized Greater Sudbury’s pivotal role in Canada’s critical minerals sector. This marks the first time a Greater Sudbury mayor has spoken at a Canadian Club Toronto event.

The event focused on strengthening Canada’s critical minerals sector and building a complete supply chain in Ontario to ensure resources for the Southern Ontario auto sector and broader North American industries. Mayor Lefebvre delivered the keynote address, followed by a panel session where he joined industry leaders Perry Dellelce, Heather Exner-Pirot and moderator Matthew Bondy to continue the conversation.

Mayor Lefebvre drew parallels between the current geopolitical landscape and historical moments of opportunity and challenge. “Instead of being the strategic ally to our neighbours, we are being taunted about becoming the 51st American state while also being expected to radically boost defense and security expenditures,” he said. “Greater Sudbury and our partners across Ontario are uniquely positioned to help Canada lead on both fronts while shoring up our own economic sovereignty.”

He highlighted Canada’s global recognition as a mining powerhouse, mining more sustainably and innovatively than anywhere else in the world, noting the need to accelerate resource extraction and processing to unlock the full value of critical minerals. “This,” he said, “must change.”

Greater Sudbury is home to nine operating base metal mines, two smelters, two refineries and one mill, with another nine mines under development. The city’s integrated mining complex, including over 300 mining supply and service firms, and research and educational institutions like Laurentian University, Cambrian College and Collège Boréal, positions it as a leader in sustainable mining innovation.

“Many people still have a 1950s vision of Greater Sudbury,” said Mayor Lefebvre. “Today, we are global leaders in environmental remediation, having planted over 10 million trees, reducing our SO2 emissions by 98 per cent and bringing all of our 330 lakes within the city to pristine condition.”

Mayor Lefebvre emphasized partnerships with local Indigenous communities, Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and Wahnapitae First Nation, focusing on reconciliation and economic development. He stated that Indigenous communities want to contribute their knowledge and expertise to support expansion efforts, setting a model for Canada’s future resource development.

“We are in the fourth Industrial Revolution,” he stated, noting the growing demand for minerals in sectors like semiconductors, battery technologies and defence. “North American demand for minerals in this sector is estimated to increase by 500 per cent by 2050. Canada, and certainly Ontario, have a role to play because of strategic areas like Greater Sudbury.”

To reduce reliance on China and de-risk critical mineral supply chains, Mayor Lefebvre stressed the importance of developing and processing minerals domestically. “Greater Sudbury is not okay with shipping raw materials south of the border without adding value here at home, creating jobs, attracting investment and strengthening Canada’s negotiating position on the global stage,” he said.

Mayor Lefebvre called for a national commitment to mining, recognizing investments by the Ford government and federal commitments as game changers. Mayor Lefebvre outlined three key steps: accelerating exploration and development of new mining projects, building refining and processing capacity, and creating strategic partnerships with investors, industry leaders, communities and governments.

He highlighted an opportunity that is currently available, and called for the Ontario government to develop a nickel sulphate processing capacity in Sudbury, along with the pre-cathode active materials (pCAM) production capability, as the majority of the nickel and sulfuric acid that is required comes from Greater Sudbury.

“We have the land, talent, resources and over 100 years of mineral processing experience,” he said. “We have our local Indigenous community leaders at the table, and I’m ready to partner with Premier Ford to get it done.”

Mayor Lefebvre noted that this plant would benefit Greater Sudbury and could receive ore from the Crawford Mine Project in Timmins, complementing investments in lithium and cobalt refineries in Ontario. He also mentioned how the upcoming Greater Sudbury Trade Mission to South Korea and Japan is expected to assist with strategic partnerships.

He concluded by stating that the world wants Canada’s critical minerals, and we have the opportunity to lead, innovate and secure our place in future industries. He invited Pierre Poilievre and Mark Carney to commit to making it happen.

“The reason we have a decision at all is because of Greater Sudbury’s strategic advantage, so let’s not waste this moment. Let’s seize the opportunity before us, unlock Canada’s, Ontario’s and Greater Sudbury’s full potential and secure our place in the industries of the future together.”

To view the full speech, please visit: https://app.vvc.live/livestream/jE0qyFC9qwRc6SX9/en