F451,

I was about translate F451 to Celcius degree as C232, but I was afraid that would trigger a raging debate on the autoignition temperature of paper which was assumed to be 451deg F in the novel.

Anyway, that aside, that CBC radio interview with Rickford was a nice catch. Rickford, in effetct, put the responsiblity squarely at the Province feet. He repeated his statement that Fed money is available, but the province will need to come with detailed plans for the projects (RoF infrastructure) that the Prov would consider as priority projects. In other words, be precise, not just some vague words about a blank cheque for $1B. Hope that I am completely wrong on this, but presumably the Prov would want it (the $1B) in one shot rather than over 10 years...i.e. just give the Prov $1B now, and it would be up to the province to spend it any way it sees fit over a 10 year period?

Other interesting points in the interview:

- Noted the retreat of CLF

- But Optimism for RoF development remains

- Infrastructure is key (both transportation and electricity)

- Disappointed with the Development Corp, no representation of key players.

- Fed has poured in money to develop local infrastructures for local communities and secondary training (RoR related) for young FN students (some 260 students?)

- He has been in discussion with Minister Gravelle. Impression they had good chats between them. But Rickford mentioned some unfortunate comments from another Prov Minister. Presumably, this was the one responsible for infrastructure, who said his priority does not include any spending for the RoF. As a politician, he should have deferred that to Minister Gravelle, rather than just shot it off by himself, causing potential embarrassment to his colleague(s), his Premier, and his government. At least, these kinds of remarks would give the opponents an opportunity to use them as an indication that Ontario does not give any priority to the RoF (so why ask the Fed for $1B matching funding?)

- Minister Rickford hoped that the Province will mobilize itself for RoF development. It would seem like a nice way to saying "get your own house in order, get going, and don't blame others for your own inaction".

Overall, good interview. IMO, Minister Rickford was presenting the current situation "as clear as it gets".

What would be the Prov next move in response to Mnister Rickford's salvo,... more navel gazing in its snow fort for "doing it 100% right"?

goldhunter