Gold mining company uses provincial funds to build workforce in northern Ont.

The Agnico Eagle Hope Bay gold mine is shown in Nunavut in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO Agnico Eagle, Mathieu Dupuis

Canadian mining company Agnico Eagle is using provincial funding to develop its future workforce in northern Ontario.

Recently the gold miner received $10 million from Ontario’s Skills Development Fund to train and develop workers to fill jobs in high demand in the mining sector.

Agnico has two early exploration projects in northern Ontario: Upper Beaver in Kirkland Lake and Detour Underground north of Cochrane, which is the largest gold producer in Canada.

Andre Leite, vice-president of Ontario operations, said in the near future, Agnico Eagle will need to fill 1,200 to 1,400 positions once the projects turn to production.

"What we're doing is about 200 people being trained and we're focusing on the entry-level positions," Leite said.

"Operators, both land mine operators, new operators, skilled trades. So, a lot of the workforce that we need to realize the potential of northern Ontario."

Since they are operating on First Nation territory, he said their focus is on developing a First Nations workforce. The 200 are from three First Nations: Taykwa Tagamou, Matachewan and Moose Cree.

The $10 million is one of the largest amounts given to any one company through Ontario’s Skills.

"That it was given to the mining sector speaks to the importance that our government places on developing the workforce required to fulfill the employment needs in this sector which is central to meeting our government’s economic goals," said Minister of Mines George Pirie in a news release.

"This initiative not only connects workers to better jobs and better pay, but also builds a skilled workforce and creates sustainable livelihoods for Indigenous and northern communities."

"Our collaboration with Agnico Eagle Mines through the Skills Development Fund program heralds a crucial step towards realizing the aspirations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action #92," said Taykwa Tagamou Nation Chief Bruce Archibald.

"This initiative not only opens doors to education and employment for our people, but also paves the way for enhancing our workforce's capabilities."

Leite was in Sudbury last week to speak at the Nov. 14 Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce luncheon.