https://www.ontario.ca/page/mandate-letter-progress-northern-development-and-mines

I am delighted to provide you with a report on our progress.

Developing the Ring of Fire

• Discussions between Ontario and the Matawa-member First Nations continue and are guided by the Ring of Fire Regional Framework Agreement (RFA), which sets out principles and objectives that will help us chart a path forward. The agreement outlines key priorities for negotiations including enhanced First Nation participation in the Environmental Assessment (EA) process (currently underway), regional long-term environmental monitoring, infrastructure planning and implementation, socio-economic supports and resource revenue sharing in the Ring of Fire.
• Since September 2014, my ministry has contributed $8.7 million to communities and tribal councils as part of Ontario’s ongoing commitment to support community readiness and capacity building activities related to the Ring of Fire development.
• Within 60 days of the 2014 Speech from the Throne, we established the Ring of Fire Infrastructure Development Corporation (ROFIDC). In 2015, the ROFIDC advanced the work of its mandate by building internal capacity, meeting with stakeholders, and facilitating five technical studies. The ROFIDC will continue to work to gather necessary technical information and put in place the corporate structures and accountability mechanisms that will position the corporation to play a key role as we drive towards progress in the Ring of Fire region.
• We are working closely with our provincial colleagues to respond to and prepare for potential future developments. For example, to date over 1,950 First Nations clients have participated in Ontario’s skills and training programs in order to ensure communities are prepared for Ring of Fire mining and related development opportunities.
• In addition to the RFA, we are working closely with those First Nations closest to the proposed minesite development under bilateral agreements such as the Memorandum of Understanding with Marten Falls First Nation and the Memorandum of Cooperation with Webequie First Nation. We are currently negotiating similar agreements with Neskantaga and Eabametoong First Nations.
• In March, I announced a $785,000 investment with the Government of Canada, which enables Webequie First Nation, along with the First Nations of Eabametoong, Neskantaga and Nibinamik, to complete a regional study considering an all-season transportation corridor. This study will examine options and benefits of connecting these communities to existing and proposed transportation systems.
• In June 2015, the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) approved the Terms of Reference for Noront’s environmental assessment (EA), with amendments. This represents a key project milestone and my ministry will continue to work with MOECC to move this file along.
• We remain steadfast in our work with industry and First Nations to align interests in development of a road network that provides access to communities, as well as access for mineral development within the region.
• We are committed to working collaboratively with the federal government to ensure that development moves forward in a way that maximizes the benefits for First Nations communities, as well as for Ontario and Canada.