"Bill Thornton, assistant deputy minister for Northern Development and Mines; Rob Dowler, assistant deputy minister from cabinet office; Linda McAusland, assistant deputy minister of transportation; and Ehren Cory, executive vice-president of Infrastructure Ontario"
"Gravelle said a fifth representative, from the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs, could be added to the interim board."

Just look at the titles and what would their normal responsibility be. Without the Devco titles they would still be doing the same thing as with it. All the company is at this time is a title for a group of people who are doing what is their usual function. All of these are still supposed to be engaged with developing the Ring without the Devco titles. It is part of their job functions.

"But First Nation communities in the area of the Ring felt blindsided."
Not the FN communities but all of northern Ontario. Just because most people are not aware or care does not mean that it did not happen.