Argentina’s Technical Visit to Canada

Mining plays a crucial role in Argentina’s economic development. In October 2024, representatives from Argentina’s Secretariat of Mining, Maria Belén Poquet and Facundo Guaita, visited Canada to learn about effective strategies in these areas. This mission was made possible through the Technical Assistance Partnership – Expert Deployment Mechanism (TAP-EDM) initiative, funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by Alinea International. Canadian expert Deborah Archibald, a leader in Resource Management Policy and Regulatory practices, provided information, based on the Canadian experience, on developing effective multilateral dialogue and consultation processes within the mining sector.  

The delegation’s itinerary included meeting with key Canadian organizations: 

• Global Affairs Canada: The delegation engaged in discussions led by Sharon Armstrong, Director General of International Assistance Partnership and Strategic Coordination, along with Carmela Prinzo, Deputy Director of Technical Assistance Partnership and SMOs, and Suehila Elkateb, Deputy Director of Southern Cone Political and Trade Relations.  

• Mining Association of Canada: Following the meeting with GAC, the delegation met with Ben Chalmers, Senior Vice President of the Mining Association of Canada, to explore industry best practices and the importance of responsible mining.  

• Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC):  The delegation spoke with experts Aaron Hynes, Manager of International Affairs, Patrick Gannon, Policy Analyst, Sarah Jackson, Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, Thomas Joe, Director of Indigenous Policy, Marylène Cormier, Manager of Engagement Policy, and Cali Kehoe, Policy Analyst.  

• Natural Resources Canada (NRCan): The visit included presentations from various experts, including Melanie Campbell, Director of Strategic Policy, who provided an overview of NRCan’s mandate, while Peter Unger, Senior Impact Assessment Officer, discussed federal impact assessments and Indigenous consultation. Aviva Silburt, Deputy Director, highlighted Canada’s Minerals and Metals Plan, and Allain Barnett, Policy Analyst, focused on impact analysis in mining. Tomas Cabanillas, Deputy Director, concluded the session.  

• Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) & Justice Canada: The delegation was informed about Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation process and approaches to Indigenous consultation. This session provided insights into building respectful relationships with Canadian Indigenous communities, a crucial component of sustainable mining practices in Canada. Dennis Brunner, Senior Advisor at Public Service and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and Nathalie Goulet, Senior Lawyer with Justice Canada, supporters of Canadian Indigenous law, informed about their knowledge, expertise and best practices. 

• Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC): Belen and Facundo also met with Employment and Social Development Canada to learn about Canadian approaches to building skills and supporting the employability of Canadians.  

The visit concluded with a meeting to highlight the collaboration between Canada and Argentina to strengthen multilateral dialogue in mining.  

Reflecting on the visit, TAP expert, Deborah Archibald, shared: “From the Canadian perspective, one of the most important things to remember in relationship building with Indigenous stakeholders is to listen. Including Indigenous community member as part of staff, training members on how to operate heavy equipment, will provide long-term meaningful benefits. In Canada, relationships built on trust means forging friendships, and this takes time.” 

For more information on this initiative, you can read the project profile