US EditionOntario signs deal with Webequie First Nation
The deal includes nearly $40 million for Webequie First Nation infrastructure and mental health support to enable road construction starting next June, boosting access to critical minerals.
- On Wednesday, the Ontario government and Webequie First Nation signed a community partnership at Queen's Park to speed construction of a road to the Ring of Fire, with Premier Doug Ford and Chief Cornelius Wabasse present.
- The Ring of Fire matters because Bill 5 aims to fast-track development, with the province citing minerals critical to Ontario's EV battery industry and economic growth, amid First Nations criticism.
- The province pledged nearly $40 million for a community centre, airport rebuild and early road materials, including up to $39.5 million for Webequie First Nation, and the environmental assessment will be submitted in January.
- Premier Doug Ford says construction could begin as soon as next June if the federal impact assessment is dropped; Chief Cornelius Wabasse called the Webequie Supply Road a pathway to economic opportunity for his isolated community.
- Premier Doug Ford argues the project could add $22 billion and create 70,000 jobs, but the First Nations Land Defence Alliance opposes it while planners consider two other proposed roads to connect Webequie.
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29 Articles
NiagaraFallsReview.ca
First Nations mental health funding not contingent on development deals: Ford
TORONTO — Ontario’s premier and Indigenous affairs minister say support for mental health in First Nations is not tied to signing resource development deals.
Ontario government signs agreement with Webequie First Nation for road to Ring of Fire
Ontario has signed a community partnership agreement with Webequie First Nation in an effort to speed up development in the Ring of Fire. The huge mineral deposit in the James Bay lowlands has long been a key source for the EV battery industry, but a First Nations alliance has been critical of the government’s approach. Here's what we know about the new agreement and what it means for development.
Ontario, Webequie First Nation Sign Deal to Fast-Track Ring of Fire Road Construction
A northern Ontario First Nation has inked a multi-million dollar partnership deal with the provincial government to accelerate construction of a road to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region.
Prince George Citizen
Ontario signs deal with Webequie First Nation to speed Ring of Fire road construction
A northern Ontario First Nation signed a partnership deal with the province Wednesday designed to speed up construction of a road to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire, with its chief saying it will lead to prosperity for his community.
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