History
The association started in 1987, as the Ontario Mineral Exploration Federation (OMEF), to provide input in the drafting of the new Mining Act for Ontario. In December of 1994 the name was changed to the Ontario Prospectors Association, to reflect the membership and its relationship to the regional prospecting groups. The OPA is well respected for its ethical standards and strict code of conduct adhered to by all members.
By early 2000, the OPA Restructuring Committee (OPARC), along with support from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines retained consultants to assist with finalizing the new OPA strategic and operations plan. The OPA was restructured into a member driven organization, joining all the regional groups into one, stronger, provincial voice.
Goals
The OPA predicts its future membership of 3,000 to have Province wide representation and to be an effective lobbying group on government, taxation, land access and environmental policies. We will be an information source for the media designed to foster exploration and development awareness and connect buyers and sellers of properties. The OPA will design and promote prospector development initiatives that support grassroots exploration.
Within 3 to 5 years the OPA will be financially self-sufficient; operating and effective, well managed organization with full-time staff, contract specialists and a proactive, competent Board of Directors. We will establish a communications network through the Internet and industry publications and provide leadership on issues that affect exploration in Ontario.
Objectives
The objectives of the Ontario Prospectors Association are to represent and further the interests of the mineral exploration industry and the interests of prospectors. Our mission is to enhance and promote the Ontario mineral exploration and development community to foster a healthy mining industry.
Executive
President: Wally RaynerVice President: Roger Poulin
Secretary: John McCance
Co-Treasurers: John Halet and Dave Hunt
Executive Director: Garry Clark
Click here for a complete list of directors (2007-2008)
Internal Committee Appointments
Audit Committee: Roger Dufresne, Dave Hunt, Bob Komarechka, Ted ShellhorneMembership Committee: Garry Clark, Garfield Pinkerton, Tor Jensen
Symposium Committee: Roger Poulin, Andrew Tims, Susan Warren, Bill McGuinty, Ray Zalnieriunas
Education Committee: Fred Swanson, Roger Dufresne, Vivienne Côté
Land Use / Access Committee: Vivienne Côté, Wally Rayner, Bob Komarechka, John Halet
Issue Resolution: Vivienne Côté, Andy Chater (Tor Jensen), Neil Westoll
Communications Committee: Roger Dufresne, Dave Hunt, David LaRocque
Policy Committee: Roger Dufresne, Vivienne Côté, Neil Westoll, Garry Clark
Finance Committee: Dave Hunt, Garry Clark, Roger Dufresne, Ted Shellhorne
External Committees
Members of the OPA board and member group boards sit on a number of important external committees at both the provincial and local levels. This participation is vital to maintaining the interests of the exploration community in Ontario. At the provincial level, the Minister's Mining Act Advisory Council, the Ontario Geological Survey Advisory Board and the "Heads Up" teleconferences are convened several times a year. These committees are an open channel to politicians and government officials and give us the opportunity to keep updated and comment on issues. It is also important that we have representation when initiatives such as Lands for Life (Living Legacy) and the Provincially Significant Mineral Potential Committee come up.
At the local level, members participate in a wide variety of citizen committees and boards. From timber management planning to trails committees, we have our interests protected by their attendance.
OPA By-Laws
OPA By-Laws Document (PDF)OPA Motions 2000-2004 (PDF)