Ontario and federal government need to work together to move Ring of Fire forward: GravelleRING OF FIRE

THUNDER BAY -- A collaborative partnership between the provincial and federal government is crucial in developing the Ring of Fire.

That’s what Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle said is clear after Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne met with Prime Minister Stephen Harper met early Monday evening to discuss the economy, including nationally significant infrastructure projects like the Ring of Fire.

Gravelle said he had already spoken to Conservative Minister of Natural Resources Greg Rickford over the holidays about the mining project, but the recent meeting between the two leaders has encouraged the two ministers to speak further on the topic.

“There is no question again that this is an extraordinarily exciting economic opportunity,” said Gravelle Tuesday afternoon.

“It’s a complex project, but one where in order for us to truly reach the full potential, both the economic development potential and the social potential, the partnership and the shared funding by the federal government is going to be crucial.”

The provincial government has committed $1 billion to the Ring of Fire, specifically for transportation infrastructure.

Gravelle said they’ve applied to the Build Canada Fund for the federal government to match that funding to address more of the socio-economic supports of communities close to the Ring of Fire.

Rickford has said he wants to hear more details on the province’s proposed development corporation and the work Ontario has done with First Nations, said Gravelle.

“I’m keen to have that sit-down with Minister Rickford and obviously to continue what I think is a good start to the year,” he said.