Funny you should mention Mushkegowuk, Babjak1, and their entitlements.  I found it a telling sign that Rickford should use the phrase "Corridor to Prosperity" when referring to connecting a transportation route to the Ring of Fire.  Any reference to the word corridor in respect to Matawa's traditional lands, as far as I know, has only been used to refer to the "East / West Corridor".  A route traversing from north of Pickle Lake and ending in Webequie.  Hardly what I would call a "Corridor of Prosperity". This is at best a route that serves only to connect the few northwestern communities of Matawa, but does not serve the Ring of Fire very well from an economic perspective; too long and indirect. 

Then there is the North / South route from Nakina to the Ring of Fire, which we all know is more direct, and comparably much more cost effective.  But this route has never been called a " North / South Corridor" by any party who has spoken about it.  It, as far as I know, has only been referred to as the "North / South Route" or "North / South Road".  In this case it connects Marten Falls to Nakina, with talk of continuing on to the Ring of Fire.  I don't believe it has ever been referred to as a "Corridor".  Only as a road or route.

Note:  When Rickford spoke he mentioned a "Corridor", not "Corridors". 

Now, there is no doubt in my mind that Matawa will be involved in the Ring of Fire, and the prosperity it will bring.  But from the governments perspective the Mushkegowuk plan is more sound and complete when one is talking about business and revenue; 3P model.  There is far less money that has to come from the government coffers to initiate this Mushkegowuk plan. Only the cuttting of red tape and the signing of agreements to allow the privatization, royalties, and whatever revenue sharing is to start flowing. And...Yes... The EAs to go along with it. If Rickford is serious about a "Corridor to Prosperity" then this (IMO) is the corridor he is referring to, and not the E/W.

The Mushkegowuk Energy / Rail Corridor is the complete package.  Cheaper and safer than any other alternative.  It is a domestic, not foreign, private venture.  One that does not need a lot of public money to establish, and will allow the government to reap tax revenue from it all the same.  Matawa can prosper from the resource revenue sharing in the eventual mining in the Ring of Fire, and in turn Mushkegowuk will (IMO) prosper from being allowed to provide the rail and energy to it.  Whether Marten Falls jumps ship and sails off with Mushkegowuk has yet to be seen; interesting double-cross.  But if it is a "Corridor to Prosperity" that Rickford is interested in then Mushkegowuk plan is the best option; IMO....and the one he is talking about.

 TM.