From what has been posted I see Ontario supporting the north-south route because it helps out Cliffs building the rail line.
The Feds should help out with the east-west route because it decresaes the living expense to the natives and it directly reduces the support costs from the Feds. Pay now to pay less later = that is the justification.

I disagree Goodheart, cliffs does not = road but rail line.
The transmission line helps out all.
Either way for Noront, east west enables early start while the rail line means cheaper transport later.
Win-win for Noront.