Image Credit: Doug Ford, X
Until recently, I’d bet most Americans—and many Canadians, for that matter—couldn’t name Ontario’s premier.
That’s changed.
Doug Ford has become the loudest voice in Canada’s fight against U.S. tariffs, hammering his key talking points on American cable news networks. It’s too early to say if his approach will succeed, but he’s already drawn a personal response – and even a concession – from the U.S. president. At the very least, he’s being heard. And he’s making things happen as a result.
There’s a lesson here for our industry, where leaders by necessity have to take the long view, and where patience as a project moves from exploration to development is a virtue. Sometimes, though, waiting is counterproductive. Instead, if there’s something you really want from governments, partners or stakeholders, take action, make yourself heard, and be clear and vocal about it.
As it does each year, PDAC 2025 gathered the industry’s best and brightest to network and share insights on what’s working and what’s not. The list of challenges discussed this year felt familiar: slow permitting, lack of government support, an aging workforce, and rising global uncertainty. These are complex issues that require complex solutions.
Perhaps it’s time to insert more Doug Ford-style simplicity. Concerned about government policies? Set up a meeting with the right representatives and tell them. Draw a clear line between their policy priorities and your objectives, and be sure to keep them posted as your work progresses. Worried your key stakeholders don’t have the full picture? Speak to them and make that picture crystal clear. Establish regular touchpoints with stakeholders and use that time to deliver clear, bold messages that align with both your priorities and theirs.
For decades mining happened out of sight and out of mind. But as my colleague Anne Lewis notes in her March insight, more people than ever are talking about our resources. The world wants more gold and urgently needs more critical minerals. Mining is essential. It’s our job to remind people what it takes to get the job—one of the most important jobs on the planet right now—done, and done right.
My Takeaway: Successful communication requires three things: clarity, consistency, and repetition. In 2025, let’s find the right opportunities to put these three actions into practice.
