The Fraser Institute publishes an annual survey of mining
companies that sets out world rankings of jurisdictions based on
attractiveness for mining investment. In 2017, Manitoba was ranked
the number two jurisdiction in the world. That ranking dropped
precipitously to eighteenth place in 2018, with a sharp drop in
mineral development industry confidence.
Many blamed Manitoba's sharp decline on provincial
government policies and practices, especially those that resulted
in long delays for the issuance of exploration permits. Much of the
delay was the result of a lack of clarity and resourcing in the
conduct of Indigenous consultations as a prerequisite to
permitting. The promotion of mining activity as a driver of
economic development did not seem to be a government priority. As a
result, a number of potential projects went by the wayside and
investment dollars went elsewhere.
