"Only once we have all the information before us, can we make an informed decision on whether a ferrochrome plant is right for Sault Ste. Marie.

Elaine Della-Mattia is The Sault Star’s political reporter"

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When I read this story and in particular this  paragraph...One glaring thing has been left out.

The "story" for delay in putting in a simple road to the ROF  for YEARS.....was ...First nations.

We need to pay to consult, we need to know where "they" want the road and how the road should look. So, is the "story" no longer valid?

The Rof resides on their traditional territory screams ... postmedia...regularly...but strangely.. not a peep about this ...now?

and ...this smelter decision "strangely" does not involve the First Nations?

Even though they had proposed a plan and that plan included supplying power to a smelter in Timmins?

From the past,

http://mininglifeonline.net/news_view_5099.html

"Last week Lawrence Martin, the newly elected Grand Chief of Mushkegowuk Council, revealed that Five Nations Energy Inc. (FNEI) a Mushkegowuk based transmission line company, was planning to bring electricity to Ring of Fire, a potential smelter in the Timmins area and Matawa communities."

And since Debeers victor mine closed this May....having a 20 megawatt customer leave...is a big income killer.... And it is Five Nations Energy that is responsible for the maintenance since they ...own it...Sounds expensive.

and what about Ontario Northland...just let them go down the toilet?

https://www.northernontariobusiness.com/regional-news/north-bay/ontario-northland-excited-about-potential-of-ring-of-fire-827156

"Moore believes if the smelter went to Timmins, it would be the ideal location for Ontario Northland to become part of the project."

I find this map interesting in regards to road choices especially C2..Timmins is right below Cochrane.

http://www.mushkegowuk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/allseasonroad.jpg

And look at this news from a few days ago...

So after 40 years this closes(can we assume because it didn't make enough money?), and now Muskkegowuk Development buys this ..because it will soon make money? What will have to change to allow this change in economics?

 http://www.mushkegowuk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/sept2019_mdcnews.pdf

MUSHKEGOWUK DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION GP FINALIZES PURCHASE MOOSE FACTORY, ONTARIO – September 23, 2019 - The Mushkegowuk Development Corporation General Partnership (MDC) has purchased the Great North Builders (GNB) property located in Moosonee, Ontario.

This property, including buildings and equipment, will facilitate MDC’s entrance into the supply and distribution sector. Initial products will include building materials and hardware. As the venture develops, it will diversify into areas that will complement existing retail operations in the territory and fill any gaps.

MDC aims to collaborate with the business community and invest in areas that create economic benefits to enhance the economy. Recruitment of a manager and renovations to the building will commence immediately, with a formal opening scheduled for early winter 2020.

In the interim, a working relationship with an existing building materials retail operation will facilitate a soft opening and ability to service customers in the area in the very near future.

GNB was a Building Materials and Hardware retailer with a regional customer reach, primarily to the First Nations of the James Bay area. After 40 years in operation, their store closed at the end of 2018; This created a significant gap in area and left many people unemployed.

The recently established MDC Supply GP will manage the building materials and hardware supply store in Moosonee. “The acquisition of the former Great North Builders property is a great opportunity for our people to have access to needed products within the region”, says Grand Chief Jonathan Solomon. “It is also a regional economic initiative by the owner First Nations; who are members of Mushkegowuk Council, which is a plus.” Wade Cachagee, President of MDC, said “MDC assessed economic leakage in our region, which then determined our priority areas for investments. We feel this acquisition and subsequent business operation will improve our regional economy by mitigating economic leakage, along with wealth and employment creation.”