Carol Hughes Algoma—Manitoulin—Kapuskasing, ON

Mr. Speaker, after years of inaction by federal and provincial governments, New Democrats are working to get the job done on the Ring of Fire.

Today, the leader of the opposition announced the appointment of Howard Hampton as the NDP leader's special adviser on the project. This once-in-a-generation opportunity for northern Ontario should mean thousands of good jobs and economic development that will transform our region.

However, the Conservatives have not shown leadership, which means no new jobs, no investment, and a refusal to work with first nations communities. Almost all of the Conservatives' Ring of Fire announcements have failed to materialize.

Northerners are fed up. There are important infrastructure challenges to address. Skills development and worker training are also vital.

It is a good thing that the NDP understands the importance of this development, and Howard knows how to help get results, so that in 2015 an NDP government can finally get this job done.