(August 22, 2016 – Sudbury) On Sunday evening, August 21, mine rescuers from around the globe were welcomed to Canada by the host of the International Mines Rescue Competition, Workplace Safety North. Competition chair, Marc Lauzier, officially declared the competition open after 27 mine rescue teams entered the Grace Hartman Amphitheatre.
Established in 1998, the International Mines Rescue Competition is a biennial event, making this year’s competition the 10th IMRC. This is the first international competition in Canada, and the first in North America since 2008.
“On behalf of Workplace Safety North, we’re honoured to be your host for this prestigious event,” said Candys Ballanger-Michaud, President and Chief Executive Officer of Workplace Safety North. “The International Mines Rescue Competition is a celebration of the mine rescue men and women who are prepared and ready to respond to a mining emergency with the objective of bringing their fellow miners home, safe and healthy. Best of luck to all the teams; it will be a memorable week.”
“Mine safety has come a long way in many countries, and now we are reaching for the goal of zero harm, zero lost time accidents,” said MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour. “If there’s an industry that can reach that high level of achievement, I’m confident it is the mineral industry… Events like this week’s competition help to raise safety standards all over the world.”
The evening featured diverse dance and musical performances. Classic Canadian cuisine, including poutine and Beavertail pastries, was served. Mariah Kruk, Voice Music Major at Cambrian College, sang the national anthem, and Paul Lemelin, Canadian Grand Master Fiddle Champion, closed the ceremony. Other performers included the Irish Heritage Youth Dancers, the Baladi National Dance Troupe, the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, Dance Evolution Acrobats, the Black Bull Moose Drum Group, and the Mino Bimaadziwin Dance Troupe.
From August 23 to 25, teams will compete in different events around the city, including an underground simulated emergency scenario, firefighting, high angle rope rescue, and more. Competition sites include Vale 114 Orebody, Dynamic Earth, NORCAT, the R.S. Lipic Demonstration and Training Facility, and Cambrian College.
Free daily bus tours are being offered from August 23 to 25. The bus will leave from Lockerby Composite School and travel to competition venues around the city, starting at noon and returning at 3 p.m.
