Courtesy Bold Ventures Inc.
The province is ending the Ring of Fire agreement it had with Matawa First Nations and will start new agreements with individual First Nations.
Northern Development, Mines and Energy Minister Greg Rickford made the announcement yesterday morning in Sault Ste. Marie. He says the government will now work directly with willing First Nation partners on the major mining project.
In a statement to our newsroom, Rickford says, “First Nation communities deserve better, they deserve an approach that can recognize their unique needs.”
He goes on to say, “We’re inspired by First Nation leadership who are making a positive difference in the lives of those in communities near Ring of Fire developments. By working toward bilateral agreements with First Nation partners on Ring of Fire development, the Province will also help address unique community needs and opportunities when it comes to developing the Ring of Fire.”
Both Noront Resources and Marten Falls First Nation appear to be on board with the provincial government’s new approach to developing the Ring of Fire.
The Indigenous community and mining company released a joint statement saying, “We are encouraged by the Ontario government’s support and commitment to developing the Ring of Fire, on an expedited basis.”
Noront and Marten Falls say they will continue to engage the additional First Nations communities that are committed to developing the Ring of Fire and its associated infrastructure.
NDP leader Andrea Horwath is not as enthusiastic.
She says the PC government ripping up the agreement with Matawa-member First Nations drags the Ring of Fire project backward.
Former Liberal Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle says the cancellation of the former agreement does cause him some concern but is willing to see if the new approach works.
