Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle said he's honoured Premier Kathleen Wynne has appointed him to be the Minister of Northern Development and Mines. Gravelle held the post for four years, until 2011, when he was then named the Minister of Natural Resources.

Gravelle said he hasn't had an in-depth conversation with the premier about his new-again role, but said Wynne has outlined a few priorities, including "how important northern Ontario is to her."

"I think she's made very strong signals in that regard," Gravelle said, such as "setting up a northern cabinet committee, understanding how important the Ring of Fire is. She did make specific reference to the Ring of Fire and how important it was for us to certainly get that right."

Gravelle said Wynne has outlined how important the relationship will be with First Nations, municipalities and industry when moving forward with the Ring of Fire.