Michael Gravelle

Minister defends record on Ring of Fire

Opinion Letters
thesudburystar.com
October 2, 2014

Re: “'Nothing done on Ring” and “Ontarians have had it with Liberal inaction in Ring of Fire: Horwath,” Sudbury Star/Sun News, Sept 29, 2014

It is troubling to hear a leader of a major political party in Ontario speak with such a lack of understanding of the steps required in developing the Ring of Fire. What is specifically troubling, is that (NDP leader Andrea) Horwath does not seem to understand the complexity of this major economic opportunity for our province or respect the important work we have undertaken before ore extraction can actually begin.

Our government is leading the way to drive development in the Ring of Fire. There is no question that over the past year, significant progress has been made. We have provided a $1-billion commitment to develop transportation infrastructure in the region; established a Ring of Fire Infrastructure Development Corporation within 60 days of forming our new government; and reached a historic agreement with the Chiefs of the Matawa Tribal Council that lays the groundwork for future discussions. Our government is proud of the work that we have accomplished so far.

Let me be clear, Ontario Liberals have been — and remain — committed to developing the Ring of Fire and working with First Nation communities as partners, to ensure they have the opportunity to shape and provide input as development moves forward.

It is also important to remember that Andrea Horwath and the NDP refused to commit a single dollar to develop the Ring of Fire in their most recent election platform.

As you are aware, in any complex development process, it is important for the right steps to happen at the right time.

While Ms. Horwath may be looking to score quick political points, I respectfully ask her to do her homework on a very complex project that is currently being developed in a smart, sustainable, collaborative way and represents a historic opportunity to affect positive economic outcomes for the region, Ontario and indeed all of Canada.

Michael Gravelle

Minister of Northern Development and Mines