Canada, a country of 34 million people, has a vibrant mining industry with more than 1400 companies listed on their Stock Exchange and active in the sector. The growing demand from highly industrialized nations for raw materials, especially from Asia, is having a significant effect on the Canadian mining industry despite the setbacks of the global recession in 2008-9. The country is now firmly established as a global leader in the production of metals and minerals, it is the leading supplier of uranium and potash to world markets. Mining contributes more than $40 billion annually to their economy.

Top mining companies in Canada and their activities

» Read more: Canada’s Mining Industry May Be Set for a Boom

Getting Started

When you decide the time is right to discuss financial needs and priorities with your parents, be clear about your intentions, but also let them know that you are not trying to pry and that you respect their privacy.

An initial conversation should be done one-on-one. Involving too many people can be overwhelming and appear threatening. If you would prefer not to take the lead and have siblings, select one – perhaps the oldest, most financially knowledgeable or one with whom your parents may feel most comfortable.

Remember throughout the process to be sensitive to your parents’ feelings. To some extent, our financial lives influence how we view ourselves as independent human beings. For many, old age is a time of coping with a series of physical and emotional losses: hearing, eyesight, mobility, memory, as well as friendships. With any discussion of money, be sensitive to the fears and concerns your parents may harbor about their possible loss of control or independence.

» Read more: Role Reversal – When Adult Children Should Talk To Parents About Money

Don’t get lost

GPS’s or SatNavs are becoming very popular as a means of finding your way around when you are driving. They retail from about $200.00. If you have already bought a GPS in South Africa, you can download all the Australia maps for about $100.00. A map book or “Street Directory” costs under $30.00. These are invaluable for getting to know the suburbs and layout of your city, even if you have a GPS. The two most popular ones are Gregorys and UBD, both produced by Universal publishers. “Whereis” and “Google maps” are web based route planners. They are useful when planning a trip to check the distance and how long it will take.

Protect yourself from the sun

» Read more: Moving to Australia – Top Tips For South Africans