Premier Doug Ford says a controversial push to mine a mineral-rich area of northern Ontario is being carefully watched around the world.
The Ford government is facing a legal challenge from some local First Nations communities who say they have not been properly consulted on plans to develop the Ring of Fire.
The name refers to a mineral-rich area of northern Ontario’s peatlands thought to hold large deposits of the rare metals used in battery manufacturing. The province has made unlocking the area a key part of its aggressive push to attract electric vehicle manufacturing.
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“This will bring prosperity and growth to communities right across the north and help First Nations communities,” Ford said, listing new roads and access to health care as benefits during a meeting of Canada’s premiers in Winnipeg.
Two First Nations communities have signed onto plans supported by Ottawa and Queen’s Park to build all-season roads to access the minerals. Other groups, meanwhile, have filed a court challenge both governments have vowed to fight.
Ford said the federal government had committed $40 million and plans for a committee to back the project.
“The world is watching, and we need to perform,” he said. “Global investment is watching and we need to move forward with the Ring of Fire.”