Date and Time
Tuesday Jun 16, 2026
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM EDT
11:30am - Doors open - Registration Check in
11:45pm - Buffet Lunch
12:20pm - Welcoming Comments and Keynote Speaker followed by Q&A
1:30pm - Closing Remarks / Media Interviews
Location
The Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel
17 Cumberland St. N.
Thunder Bay, ON
Fees/Admission
$50 Member rate
$65 Non-Member rate
Contact Information
Vanessa Franklin
Send Email
Description
Explore More. Find More. Build More.
Making Ontario the World's Premier Mineral Exploration Destination
Join us for a dynamic Leaders Lunch featuring Steve Virtue from the Ontario Prospectors Association. Ontario has the geology, expertise and the institutions. What it needs is the investment — and the political will to match the moment. On behalf of the Ontario Prospectors Association, this presentation delivers a direct challenge to government, industry, and investors: mineral exploration in Ontario is chronically underfinanced relative to its potential, and the cost of inaction is rising. Against a backdrop of global supply chain disruption, surging critical mineral demand, and an OPA transformation agenda built for the next generation of prospectors, we make the case for exploration-first policy and a step-change increase in investment at every level. Discovery doesn't happen by accident. It happens when you fund the edge. The presentation will help connect the dots between local projects, economic development and the long term benefits the country needs for economic growth, prosperity and geopolitical sovereignty.
Steve Virtue is a seasoned public affairs executive with more than 20 years of experience shaping high-impact communications, regulatory strategies, and stakeholder coalitions across global markets. As the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA), he directs the organization's strategic policy positions, membership growth, and board governance frameworks during a pivotal transition period for the mineral exploration sector. Throughout his career, Steve has been a dedicated champion for the extractive industries, specializing in translating complex geopolitical and political risks into actionable business strategies. His deep sector expertise includes leading Public Affairs and Communications for the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) and leading global external affairs for Yamana Gold, where he managed multi-jurisdictional government relations and narrative strategies across the Americas. A trusted advisor to C-suite leaders and boards, Steve holds an M.A.Ed. from Central Michigan University and a B.A. in Political Science from York University .
