Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli says Minister Michael Gravelle’s call to PC Leader Patrick Brown to obtain funding for the Ring of Fire mining development from the federal government is unwarranted.

“It’s very typical of the Liberal government to deny and divert from major issues,” Fedeli said via telephone. “They’re trying to blame the federal government for their inaction, when not a penny of provincial money has been spent.”

Gravelle, who is the Minister for Northern Development and Mines as well as MPP for Thunder Bay – Superior North, stated Thursday that “Mr. Brown is no longer part of the Federal Conservative caucus and has the opportunity to speak freely… I hope he uses this as a chance to stand up for the North.” Gravelle also said that the Liberal Government of Kathleen Wynne has committed $1 billion to develop the Ring of Fire and reached a regional framework agreement with the chiefs of the Matawa Tribal Council.

Patrick Brown, the Conservative MP for Barrie, won the Ontario PC Leadership earlier this month.

“Nothing has happened up there since 2007. There are no road or rails, and no plans as of today to build infrastructure,” said Fedeli. “The Liberal government hasn’t even made an application for funding to the federal government.”

“Even if they had the money, there is no plan. It’s a pathetic excuse for not doing anything.”

Fedeli stated that when he first visited the Ring of Fire in 2011, there were approximately 250 men exploring the area, but when he returned in 2015, only six were in the area. Approximately $1 billion was spent in the exploration of the Ring of Fire.

“The companies have ceased operation in the Ring of Fire because there’s no way to get the ore out,” said Fedeli. “Patrick Brown sees the potential, he gets it. It was one of his first tours… and all he could talk about is [developing] the east-west road for nickel and the north-south rail for chromite.”

The Ring of Fire has the potential to be an important economic driver in Northern Ontario, and particularly in North Bay, which is home to many mining manufacturing companies.

“There’s no [federal government funding] application and no plan- you have to say what you want the money for,” said Fedeli. “The Liberals blew 2 billion on smart metres – would you trust someone with that track record?”

Emily.haws@sunmedia.ca