A Stake in the Future: Redefining the Canadian Mineral Industry

Richard G. Kuhn is an associate professor of geography at the University
of Guelph.

A Stake in the Future is a book about an initiative undertaken by the
Canadian mineral industry to create alliances with a diverse range of
stakeholders. It is also a detailed and insightful account of a process
of decision-making that will increasingly characterize Canadian public
policy formation.

The Whitehorse Mining Initiative (WMI), the focus of the book, began in
1992. Its purpose was to ensure the continued vitality of the mining
sector in Canada and to include a broad spectrum of interests in
developing a policy of integrated resource management. To this end, an
accord was signed in 1994 at the annual meeting of mines ministers. Key
aspects of the accord include a strategic vision of the minerals and
metals sector, partnership agreements between stakeholders and industry,
and the establishment of new consultative mechanisms to ensure the
continuation of communication, cooperation, and conflict management.

McAllister and Alexander’s analysis of the WMI is thorough and
detailed, but the real strength of their book is its description and
evaluation of the process by which the initiative emerged and the
continuing efforts by a variety of interests to implement the
agreed-upon principles. The latter analysis is based on numerous
interviews with individuals and groups involved in the initiative,
including industry spokespersons, First Nations leaders, environmental
organizations, federal and provincial officials, and union
representatives.

A Stake in the Future is highly recommended for those interested in
public policy formulation, public and interest-group participation, and
the evolving character of decision-making in Canada in an environment of
increasing pluralization.