this from the economic statement Making Progress on the Road to the Ring of Fire
The Ring of Fire region is a future source of key critical minerals, including chromite, cobalt, nickel, copper and platinum. These minerals play a significant role in supporting innovative technologies, including electronics, electric vehicles and cleantech.
Building the necessary infrastructure in and around the region is a prerequisite to unlocking the potential and lowering the cost of developing future mining projects in the Ring of Fire. Ontario has dedicated $1 billion to support critical infrastructure projects, such as allseason roads, broadband connectivity and community supports for the Ring of Fire region.
Investment in these roads would also help improve First Nations’ community access to goods and services, including education, health care and housing by connecting them to the Ontario highway network for the first time. The government will continue to support the Environmental Assessments (EAs) for the Marten Falls Community Access Road Project, the Webequie Supply Road Project and the Northern Road Link Project, led by Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation.
In March 2024, Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation signed an agreement with Ontario to develop community infrastructure projects that could support future economic development opportunities in the Ring of Fire area. These infrastructure projects will help improve the livelihood and well-being of the First Nation communities in the area, while marking an important step towards realizing the economic potential of the Ring of Fire.
Ontario also signed Letters of Confirmation in June 2024 to support renewed partnerships with Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Aroland First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation and Long Lake #58 First Nation. Commitments outlined in the Letters of Confirmation include an agreement to upgrade roads that connect First Nation communities to the provincial highway network and contain funding for other community infrastructure and skills training programs for First Nations people.
As Ontario invests in and makes progress on developing critical infrastructure in the Ring of Fire region, the provincial government continues to call on the Government of Canada to match Ontario’s funding commitments and expedite approval processes for all infrastructure that would enable the development of the Ring of Fire and generate considerable economic benefit to Indigenous and Northern communities.