Moving Forward on the Ring of Fire
Infrastructure is vital to developing the Ring of Fire. People need to get in to work and products need to get out to the global market. We need to determine what infrastructure will be most appropriate. That means that the current proposals on the table must come together while, at the same time, we must see the federal government join us in moving development forward. Through the creation of a development corporation, I am confident we will find a solution that is in the best interest for the people of Ontario.” Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines
Ontario Leading the Creation of a Development Corporation for Ring of Fire Infrastructure
Ontario is taking a significant step forward toward the development of the Ring of Fire. The province will lead the creation of a development corporation that would bring together private and public partners, including First Nations, mining companies, as well as the federal and provincial governments. This continues Ontario’s smart, sustainable and collaborative approach to the Ring of Fire.
The corporation would develop, construct, finance, operate and maintain infrastructure supporting access to strategic resources in the Ring of Fire. The province will begin immediate work with partners, including the federal government, on the development corporation to determine its scope and a suitable governance model.
Premier Wynne has written Prime Minister Harper seeking a role for the federal government to partner with Ontario, through the development corporation, in order to develop vital infrastructure investments for the region.
There is no question that vital infrastructure is required in the region to support remote First Nations communities. Using a development corporation model to advance infrastructure development will ensure First Nations can participate in the governance and use of the transportation infrastructure. It will further support work already underway to promote meaningful participation in the Ring of Fire development. I look forward to dealing with these matters as part of regional process negotiations.” Frank Iacobucci, Ontario Lead Negotiator for the Ring of Fire
Ontario continues to be committed to smart, sustainable and collaborative development in the Ring of Fire, subject to all necessary environmental assessment and regulatory processes while ensuring the Crown fulfils its duty to consult.
Investing in the development of the Ring of Fire is part of the government’s economic plan to invest in people, invest in infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.
Quick Facts
- The Ring of Fire, located 540 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, is one of the most significant mineral regions in the province and includes the largest deposit of chromite ever discovered in North America. This is a key ingredient used to create stainless steel.
- The Ring of Fire also holds the potential for significant production of nickel, copper and platinum.
- Ontario is Canada’s leading destination for mineral exploration investment and Toronto is the leading mine-financing capital of the world.
- Ontario leads all provinces and territories in mineral exploration, with 23 per cent of the country’s exploration investment located within the province.
- In July 2013, Ontario appointed Honourable Frank Iacobucci as the lead negotiator on behalf of Ontario to participate in discussions with the Matawa First Nations on proposed resource development in the Ring of Fire.
