"A 2007 study by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and McGill University estimated that Canada has more than $300-billion of existing infrastructure repair and expansion needs. While much of this would not traditionally fall under Ottawa's jurisdiction, the national economic benefit of healthy infrastructure - and, on the other hand, the risk to investment and economic growth if infrastructure needs are not met - are compelling reasons for Ottawa to take a more active funding role."

So let's say Ottawa decides to pony up some significant number of dollars. Typically any province wants to have say over the complete pot of Fed money. But we know that's not going to happen. Moreover, the First Nations (how many bands in Ontario's north are we talking about?) will want to have a veto if any part of a plan doesn't meet its needs; and the 'greenies' will want to veto anything.

"...which Mr. Sousa called a potentially "massive revenue generator" for the government." Oh-oh... lightning rod. The 'greenies' are not interested in $$$ whereas the FN certainly is and the Feds aren't going to shell out bucks without some sort of 'return'.

When negotiations begin, look for lots of 'dancing' without a lot of transparency. And how Smeenk and Co. deal with it all will be fascinating.

Just my humble opinion.

Snug