Same old story......

http://www.nugget.ca/2016/01/30/province-developing-ring-the-right-way

To the editor:
I am pleased the official opposition party is seeing Ontario’s Northern economic climate firsthand by participating in our government’s pre-budget consultations.

However, I must respond to the criticisms made by southwestern Ontario MPP Toby Barrett (Haldimand-Norfolk) about the Ring of Fire.
Our government is working hard to lay the important groundwork to drive smart, sustainable and collaborative development in the region. Realizing the full potential of the region is an extremely complex undertaking so we are making sure that we get it right.

By making important investments in people and infrastructure, and building the right business climate, we will create a successful road to development.
Mr. Barrett claims there is not yet a timeline for development in the Ring of Fire without recognizing that we need to be mindful of important aspects that shape such a timeline.

I feel strongly we must consider market conditions, discussions with First Nations, and the need for the federal government to partner with us on this project of national significance.

Let me be absolutely clear, our government is actively doing the work necessary to move this major infrastructure project forward.

In Budget 2015, our government reaffirmed our $1-billion commitment to developing a transportation corridor to the region.
Part of the work my ministry is undertaking to advance the Ring of Fire is building relationships with First Nations near the potential developments. And Mr. Barnett is right; we have invested in these relationships.

First Nation communities have an active interest in how any development moves forward in the region and we are working collaboratively to help these communities benefit fully from sustainable natural resource development.
Working collaboratively with Matawa-member First Nations our government signed an historic regional framework agreement that will lay the foundation for future discussions. It is important that we do this work now in order to have workers and communities prepared for future Ring of Fire development opportunities. This is further evidenced through our partnership with the federal government and four First Nation communities on a $785,000 study regarding community service corridors to the remote communities in the region.
Premier Kathleen Wynne and I have always said development of the Ring of Fire is a project that must be done the right way. That’s as true today as it was when we first embarked on this journey. I hope the opposition maintains its interest in Northern Ontario and continues to follow our work to develop the tremendous mineral resources in the Ring of Fire.

Michael Gravelle, minister of Northern Development and Mines