"We all need to step up, show respect and embrace our First Nations as true partners, invest in the needed advanced technological mine extraction and mineral reduction processes, back northern transport construction innovation, and engage our politicians at all levels to collaborate so Canadian industry can produce world competitive finished products."

Good post. Yes all the stakeholders need to show respect for each other and show some good faith in seriously advancing the development of Northern Ontario as well as infrastructure that can facilitate mining and the FN interests in the north.

Many of us, including the chamber of commerce, have been critical of the Ontario and Federal gov'ts efforts to get the ball rolling. But to be fair to these public sector players can we really blame them when in fact the FN has as yet not been "true partners" with any real interest in advancing progress? Their true posture is on display when FN leaders make public statements such as "the ore has been there for many years and can stay for many more" and "now we have a gun to our heads".

I salute the government for setting a deadline for getting the environmental assessment done. This signals that the gov't is tired of playing nice with the FN and is finally prepared to put some real pressure on to get the project rolling. Without deadlines projects continue to get delayed forever.

Finally the stakeholders, with one exception, may be getting serious about the RoF.