Christine Kaszycki, ADM, Mines and Minerals Division
Phone: 705-670-5877
FAX: 705-670-5818
E-mail: christine.kaszycki@ontario.ca

THUNDER BAY – “Northerners are working hard to build strong communities and contribute to a prosperous Ontario. We’re working with Northerners, Aboriginal communities and mining partners to fully realize the Ring of Fire’s potential”, stated Premier Dalton McGuinty.

McGuinty also announced that Dr. Christine Kaszycki will be the Coordinator of the Ring of Fire — an area in the North with significant chromite deposits.

Ontario has the potential to become the only North American supplier of chromite, which is used to produce stainless steel and other products. Mineral development in the Ring of Fire could mean thousands of jobs in construction and in mine operations, including significant economic opportunities for First Nation communities.

However the Premier did not address solutions to the frustration from First Nations leaders over his government’s implementation of the Far North Act which impacts development in the North, and takes vast tracts of land out of development.

The Premier also announced that “Northern Ontarians will be getting some help with the cost of home heating. The new, permanent Northern Ontario Energy Credit will provide a yearly credit of up to $130 for a single person and up to $200 for a family”.

“Applying for the Northern Ontario Energy Credit is easy and it’s one way our government is helping to make things just a little bit easier for Northern families. Just print the form, fill it out and mail it in,” stated Michael Gravelle the Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.

Because of the North’s unique climate and geography, Northerners often face higher energy costs than other Ontarians. To help with those costs, Northern Ontario residents who file a tax return, pay rent or property tax and meet income criteria are eligible for the credit.