PDAC President's 2026 New Year's Message

As we welcome a new year, it is a good time to reflect on what our 8,200 members accomplished together. Your resilience and ambition fuel PDAC’s work: stronger outreach, concrete policy wins, and a steadfast commitment to advancing Canada’s mineral sector have generated real momentum over the past 12 months. 

To build on this progress, members of the PDAC team and I had the privilege of meeting members, government officials and industry partners at events across Canada and abroad. For 94 years, PDAC has been the industry’s leading voice, pressing for a predictable, competitive regulatory system that encourages investment and supports exploration from coast to coast to coast. 

Our advocacy delivered tangible results in 2025, led by the two-year renewal of the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (METC). This renewal is key: it restores confidence, signals Canada’s intent to compete for capital, and drives discoveries that feed supply chains while supporting jobs in remote and Indigenous communities. The METC plays an essential role in directing high-risk, early-stage capital to grassroots exploration, and PDAC will continue to advocate for a permanent place for the tax credit in Canada’s fiscal framework. 

We also welcomed the expansion of the Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (CMETC) to 12 additional minerals and a $2-billion commitment toward a critical minerals sovereign fund. These measures demonstrate that the government recognizes that our sector is central to Canada's future. In this era of trade uncertainty, what the prime minister describes as a “hinge moment,” our industry is vital to Canada's economic resilience and key to securing our role as a strategic trade partner for allies around the world. 

  Beyond policy wins, interest from students continues to grow. Job fairs drew strong attendance, and we were pleased to partner again with Mining Matters and the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR). By working together at these events, we maximize our impact. Recruiting and retaining talent is imperative to our industry's success, and PDAC’s Student and Early Career Program plays an instrumental role in supporting that effort. 

  The Student Industry Mineral Exploration Workshop (S-IMEW), a flagship program since 2007, remains a highlight. Throughout the intensive two-week program, students immersed themselves in hands-on fieldwork, technical sessions and meaningful discussions with professionals from across the sector. S-IMEW offered valuable insight into the wide-ranging careers, challenges and opportunities that define the world of mineral exploration. We look forward to returning to Northern Ontario for the 17th annual workshop this spring. 

Access and mentorship remain central to our convention initiatives. For PDAC 2026, we are proud to continue reducing financial barriers through the Teck Student Accommodation Fund and PDAC Convention Travel Fund. Complementing this support, the Dr. Donald M. Leishman Convention Experience returns for its fourth year to mentor first-time attendees. We also encourage students to launch their careers by participating in the PDAC-SEG Student Minerals Colloquium and the Student-Industry Mixer. 

This commitment to fostering inclusivity and leadership extends to our vital work with Indigenous partners. PDAC actively promotes cooperative, mutually beneficial partnerships between the mineral industry and Indigenous communities. Representing a sector that is the largest private-sector employer of Indigenous people on a proportional basis, we are committed to fostering opportunity. The Indigenous Youth and Early Career Ambassador Program, launched at PDAC 2025, provides financial support, invitation to exclusive events, and mentoring so that young Indigenous professionals can attend the convention, explore opportunities within the sector, and bring an enhanced understanding of PDAC and industry back to their communities.

We also finalized “Planning the Path Towards Reconciliation” this year. Informed by more than 250 Indigenous and industry voices, the framework emphasizes goals and objectives tied to dialogue, education, participation and advocacy. It will guide PDAC as we work toward more inclusive practices and stronger partnerships. 

There is no better opportunity to experience this industry’s energy firsthand than at PDAC 2026. From March 1 to 4, we will welcome the world to Toronto for the World’s Premier Mineral Exploration and Mining Convention. The exhibition is bigger than ever, with an expanded Trade Show North bringing the total to more than 1,300 exhibitors. Featuring over 700 presenters, the convention offers unmatched opportunities to connect, hear from leading experts and explore the most important and timely issues affecting our sector. Members receive special rates, so be sure to register before the early rate deadline on Feb. 6 to secure the best pricing. 

The foundation of our success is rooted in our vibrant and expanding membership. Since launching in 2023, the Member Referral Program has driven growth, with nearly 1,300 new members joining through referrals. Thank you for making this program such a success and for helping to build our association. Your engagement is key to our strength, and one important way to participate is by attending the Annual General Meeting on March 1 during the convention, where members can exercise their right to vote and help shape PDAC’s future.  

I look forward to seeing many of you at PDAC 2026 in Toronto. Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.