Northwestern Ontario MPP questions government’s approach to Ring of Fire region

The MPP for Kiiwetinoong says the Ford government is getting bad advice when it comes to the Ring of Fire.

Sol Mamakwa raised questions about the government’s interest in the Ontario Legislature this week.

His initial inquiry related to the cost of ads that promote the mining region.

When he failed to get an answer, he responded by saying the government’s approach does not trump First Nations rights.

“This government needs to understand. Your approach to Bill 5, your approach to Ring of Fire, and even these ads I talk about, do not trump the inherent rights of the First Nations that live on these homelands,” says Mamamkwa.

“This government’s approach will not work. Let me  be very clear on that.”

Mamakwa says the government should stop its Ring of Fire advertising campaign, calling it misleading.

Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce insists they are including First Nations in their decision-making.

He cited the legislation that aims to reduce the time it takes to get a mining project approved.

“We have made that a reality in partnership with First Nation communities because billions of dollars of investment,  the improvement of quality of life, 10,000 jobs are on the line unless we work together as legislators to get minerals on the ground,” says Lecce.

The province recently signed agreements with three First Nations in proximity to the Ring of Fire that aim to build an all-weather road to the region.