We would first like to recognize the progress on the Ring of Fire and the provincial commitment towards its development. We thank the province for the creation of the Development Corporation and the $1 billion commitment to infrastructure. However progress remains slow. Despite its discovery seven years ago, not a single mine is in operation in the Ring of Fire. We have heard from our constituents that progress has been stalled due to a de facto moratorium on exploration permits and interminable negotiation processes. We recognize the importance of regional framework negotiations but are however concerned that on-going delays and uncertain timelines will lead to a reduction of investor confidence in the region. This logjam in development needs to be cleared. The chamber advocates that the Environmental Assessment (EA) process be allowed to proceed while Ontario-Matawa Regional Framework Negotiations are ongoing. Allowing these two processes to move forward simultaneously will help enhance overall development in the region while not sacrificing one goal for another, allowing this intergenerational opportunity not to be lost.

The Ring of Fire is one of the greatest mining opportunities, not only in Northern Ontario but in the province’s history as a whole. The development will sustain 5,500 jobs in the province and generate $7 billion in government revenues. The Government of Ontario needs to play an active role in ensuring the necessary infrastructure is put in place to develop the Ring of Fire. We encourage the government of Ontario to continue investing in the Ring of Fire and in community supports and to make specific decisions on investment in transportation, energy and technology infrastructure to allow this development to progress. We encourage the province to expand the Board of the Development Corporation with the relevant industry, First Nation and government players to allow decision-making on key infrastructure projects to take place. We also advocate that the province continue to work with the federal government to encourage federal level funding for the Ring of Fire through the new Building Canada Plan.