Archbishop says Canadian laws must bind its global mining firms

Published: 2007-05-30

OTTAWA (CNS) -- When it comes to Canadian mining in other countries, the protection of human rights and the environment cannot be left to the good will of private individuals or companies, said Archbishop Roger Ebacher of Gatineau, Quebec. Canadian laws must bind mining companies and other extractive industries operating abroad the same way they do at home, Archbishop Ebacher said at a news conference in Ottawa May 29, featuring religious leaders, representatives of Kairos Ecumenical Justice Initiatives and representatives of groups affected by mining in developing countries. "I don't know why they can do it differently in other countries," said Archbishop Ebacher, who chairs the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops' social affairs commission. Regulations are necessary and "good for our Canadian reputation," he said. "We have to be proud to be Canadian," he said. He also stressed the need for mining companies to respect rights of indigenous peoples.

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