The Northwest Canadian and Nunavut Chamber of Mines has appointed Paul Hebert as its new CEO, bringing in an experienced association leader at a time when northern Canada is gaining momentum in the global race for critical minerals.
Hibbert will start on May 11, 2026, taking charge of the organization that has been the voice of northern mining since 1967.
The veteran leader intervenes
The new CEO brings more than two decades of association management experience, most recently as Vice President of Communications for the Canadian Mining Association. He has also worked with the Mining Industry Human Resources Council, the Canadian Nuclear Society, and the Canadian Evaluation Institute.
“Paul is a change agent and consensus builder,” Chamber President Tim Cyr said. “We have found a CEO who will increase value for members and be a strong advocate at a time when the North is receiving unprecedented attention.”
For Hebert, the timing seems right. “This is an exciting time for the mining industry,” he said. “Canada’s north has incredible mineral wealth and has the potential to become a major player globally. Critical minerals will become even more important, and I want to help Northwest and Nunavut capitalize on these opportunities for the benefit of all.”
Mining moment in the north
These regions are emerging as important suppliers of materials needed for the energy transition – lithium for batteries, rare earth elements for wind turbines, and cobalt for electric cars. As governments around the world scramble to secure supply chains, northern Canada sits on some of the world’s most promising deposits.
The Chamber works with Indigenous communities, governments and industry to promote projects responsibly. The chamber has in the past described this work as a “balancing act” between economic development and environmental protection that defines modern northern mining.
Background and experience
Hibbert studied English Literature at Carleton University and subsequently completed executive programs at the University of Toronto, McGill and Saïd Business School in Oxford. The Canadian Institute of Mining honored him as a Distinguished Lecturer in the 2006-2007 academic year.
NWT currently operates two diamond mines, while Nunavut operates three gold operations and an iron ore project. Together, these processes employ thousands and generate billions in economic activity, demonstrating the potential of the industry when implemented correctly.
As global demand for northern minerals accelerates, Hebert will help guide the chamber through what could be a defining period for mining on Canadian soil.
For more information about the mining industries in the Northwest and Nunavut, please visit the Northwest and Nunavut Chamber of Mines website at: www.MiningNorth.com
Source link
