Province on defensive after federal accusations of Ring of Fire inactionNORTHWEST

Federal Natural Resources Minister Greg Rickford (Con., Kenora) said in the House of Commons Wednesday that the province's much-touted $1 billion for infrastructure and development corporation in the Ring of Fire isn't actual policy.

"Ontario has not committed a red cent and has set up a development corporation that is not supported by First Nation communities, the private sector, and it is not a policy option for this government in its current form,” Rickford said.

“We have made significant investments in the Ring of Fire and will continue to demonstrate our commitment by working with First Nation communities and the provincial government should it identify the Ring of Fire as an actual priority.”

He was responding to a question by MP David McGuinty (Lib., Ottawa South) on whether Prime Minister Stephen Harper will meet with Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne by the end of the year on the issue.

In Queen's Park Thursday Ontario Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle (Lib., Thunder Bay-Superior North) said the province is absolutely committed to the project despite the absence of the federal government.

"I was startled if not somewhat irritated by the stunningly inaccurate statements or comments that were made by Minister Rickford in the House of Commons yesterday," Gravelle said.

The province's $1 billion, its development corporation and framework agreement with Matawa Tribal Council shows that commitment. Gravelle said the federal government needs to step up to the plate and stop saying its waiting for the province to demonstrate that the Ring of Fire is a priority.

"That is nothing but an excuse for their complete lack of commitment," he said