http://www.nugget.ca/2018/02/04/liberals-not-dragging-their-feet---gravelle

The following is in response to the letter Liberals drag their feet on Ring of Fire which appeared Saturday.

To the editor

Our Liberal government has the only detailed plan to involve local partners and properly consult local First Nations communities to ensure they have the opportunity to assist in the shaping of development in the Ring of Fire.

Our government, led by Premier Kathleen Wynne, continues to work closely both individually and collectively with First Nations in the Ring of Fire area to advance proposed developments and improve quality of life.

While the Ontario PCs are quick to criticize the important progress we’ve made, our government has been actively working with Indigenous partners – not just in the Ring of Fire region, but across the province – to ensure the inclusion of Indigenous communities in the success of our economy.

There are not a lot of great examples of resource development and benefit sharing with First Nations in Canada. We need to ensure that all appropriate studies are conducted and determine how these proposed developments may impact the environment. But we also need to make sure we take measures to guarantee we are providing proper support to affected communities to ensure they have the capacity, training and skills to actively participate in and fully benefit from Ring of Fire initiatives.

Since 2011, this government has contributed significantly to communities and tribal councils to help them prepare for proposed Ring of Fire development opportunities. This has helped support educational programming such as the Aboriginal Skills Advancement Program, capacity building funding, community well-being studies, and community-based training opportunities. These programs and investments help to strengthen relationships among Indigenous communities and organizations, government, and industry.

To date, more than 3,100 First Nations clients have received supports through our skills and training, education, and awareness programs. Many First Nation community members who have gone through this training are now gainfully employed and we look forward to hearing many more of these success stories.

Premier Wynne and our Liberal government remain firmly committed to working with all partners interested in developing the Ring of Fire and we are taking the needed steps to ensure we are ready to support mine development in the area.

We recognize that this is a historic opportunity to support developments that will improve the overall quality of life for communities in the region, including much-needed transportation and community infrastructure. Ontario is moving forward with a collaborative decision-making process which respects Indigenous communities, the environment, and provides certainty for industry.

And our government will continue to support programs and investments as part of the ongoing commitment to ensure that Indigenous communities benefit from mineral development projects.

Michael Gravelle,

Minister of Northern Development and Mines