Canada’s natural resource sector is significant part of our economy, it generates billions to our GDP and provides jobs for nearly two million Canadians.
Canada’s single largest export— crude oil represents nearly 25% of our total exports, and metals and minerals are our second largest export, with natural resources totalling 54% of all Canada’s exports in 2024!
Canada relies on our natural resource sector, not just as a big GDP contributor, but our natural resource sector creates good paying, middle-class jobs that Canadians rely on to keep a high quality of life.
In fact, economist have drawn the conclusion that natural resource jobs have kept Canada’s middle class strong, and this is during a period where other countries have seen their middle-class dwindle. Natural resources truly are our great advantage.
To create good jobs and grow our economy, Canada will need to continue to responsibly grow and develop our natural resource sector— steelmaking (metallurgical) coal should be a part of that.
Canada’s coal sector employs over 10,000 Canadians and it supports dozens of communities. Communities that rely on industry and the jobs to thrive.
With world steel demand set to grow, and with project proponents actively looking to develop steelmaking coal mines in Alberta and BC, Canada has an opportunity to get more steelmaking coal to world markets.
Canada has already seen some of the benefits of a strong steelmaking coal sector, British Columbia is a world leader in producing metallurgical coal. In 2023, British Columbia exported over $10 billion in coal to the world, which is near 10% of all of Canada’s mined exports. With seaborne metallurgical coal demand expected to increase to 2050, this is a critical opportunity for Canada to have mines proposed, approved and constructed. Communities like the Crowsnest Pass have already made their voices heard, that want the jobs that come with responsible coal mining, and others like Grande Cache, have also had significant local support.
It is clear, Canada needs to build and steelmaking coal mines can be a meaningful economic driver and job creator— so let’s get building.