...mining can have a huge environmental impact, and some companies are giving the industry a bad name around the world - with Canadian firms being some of the biggest offenders...Last fall, the federal Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade...found that..."mining activities in some developing countries have had adverse effects on local communities...". The Committee made a series of recommendations...including: ensuring that project financing and other services offered by the Canadian government abroad are contingent on companies meeting "clearly defined...human rights standards,"...The committee also singled out the Canadian mining company TVI Pacific Inc. in the Philippines...noted that the committee was "deeply concerned" about the possible impact the company was having on human rights in the local area. It recommended [a] federal...investigation...But no investigation was ever done...We all need the goods mining provides, but it shouldn't be at the expense of basic human rights or the environment local people depend on for their health and well being.