Could you summarize the last 12 months for PDAC and how you see the current moment in the industry?

The last 12 months have been an encouraging period. We started the calendar year with some political uncertainty, but the industry is feeling more confident about the stability we see now. For PDAC, a central focus continues to be our annual convention. In March 2025, more than 27,000 participants joined us in Toronto. It is where deals progress, policy ideas are shaped, technologies are showcased, capital meets projects, and talent meets opportunity.

PDAC has also expanded its presence across the country, connecting with professionals, sharing the association’s priorities, and listening to member needs. In the fall of 2025, that included the AEMQ Xplor in Montreal, Mineral Resources Review in St. John’s, the Yellowknife Geoscience Forum, and the Saskatchewan Geological Open House in Saskatoon. Internationally, we engaged at forums such as the Fennoscandia Exploration and Mining Conference in Finland and the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining AGM in Switzerland.

Could you highlight key efforts of PDAC’s advocacy work, especially regarding tax credits and proposed NI 43-101 amendments?

Our top priority has been the renewal of the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (METC). It is a vital tool that channels high-risk capital to grassroots exploration through flow-through shares. The two-year renewal in 2025’s federal budget helps to restore confidence and keep capital flowing. The budget also expanded the Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (CMETC) to 12 additional minerals and committed C$2 billion to a Critical Minerals Sovereign Fund. These steps support growth in mineral supply chains and benefit Canada and its allies. Public awareness is rising that minerals underpin daily life and economic resilience, and that they matter for national security.

Regarding NI 43-101, we support reform and review of a framework that has been in place since 2001. PDAC’s policy team has developed recommendations that reflect industry needs and has put them forward to the regulators.

How is PDAC supporting the increased participation of women and First Nations in the mining industry?

Building a skilled, inclusive workforce is a strategic priority of PDAC. Enrollment in technical programs has increased for both these groups. However, retention can be challenging. Field conditions, fly-in fly-out schedules, and other factors can be barriers. PDAC offers tools that explorers can use, such as the Driving Responsible Exploration toolkit, which provides practical guidance on social performance, environment, health and safety, gender, diversity, and inclusion.

Our Indigenous affairs work and the Indigenous program at the convention foster practical dialogue and partnership. At PDAC 2025, we launched the Indigenous Youth and Early Career Ambassador Program for the first time. The program will return at PDAC 2026, continuing to highlight emerging Indigenous talent in our sector.

How do you assess the health and potential of Ontario’s mineral exploration industry?

There has clearly been a shift in government approach, with stronger support at both the provincial and federal levels. The sector is resilient, but equity markets are tighter, and Canada’s share of global investment is under pressure. Junior explorers still struggle to access the risk capital needed to turn early-stage showings into discoveries. Flow-through financing remains pivotal for these companies and is one reason Canada continues to rank near the top globally for exploration activity.

Across the country, governments are balancing development with conservation. Embedding geoscience early in land-use decisions is essential so timelines are predictable and high-quality projects can move forward responsibly. Canada’s edge is real, deep geoscience and engineering talent, rigorous disclosure and governance, and a mature finance ecosystem that supports responsible development. The opportunity now is to protect that edge, attract more investment, and ensure exploration success translates into long-term benefits for communities.

What can people expect from PDAC 2026?

My priority is to support our five-year strategic plan, published in 2023. It includes support for new generations entering the business, including post-secondary students and early career professionals. Our advocacy goal is long-term certainty. We would like to see a ten-year runway for exploration tax incentives so that companies can plan multi-season exploration campaigns, raise capital efficiently, and advance showings to discovery and development projects. Canada can anchor allied supply chains by combining responsible exploration with clear permitting and targeted fiscal tools.