Question Period Note: Development in Ontario’s Ring of Fire Area

Development in Ontario’s Ring of Fire Area

• Our Government is addressing risks of development during thorough robust project assessments so that good projects can proceed.
• The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada has received proposals from Webequie First Nation and Marten Falls First Nation for two road projects in the Ring of Fire area.
• The Agency is working with provincial officials to coordinate assessment requirements.
• I am confident the federal assessment process will identify and thoroughly assess potential effects, and provide for public participation and consultation with Indigenous groups.
• We are conducting impact assessments using fair, predictable processes that are grounded in science and traditional knowledge.

• The Ring of Fire area in Ontario’s Far North has high-economic potential for mineral resource development. Key commodities found in the area that support a low-carbon economy and fuel growth in digital technologies include cobalt, nickel, platinum group metals and chromite.
• Transportation infrastructure is a key prerequisite for economic development of the Ring of Fire area. The Government of Ontario views infrastructure development in this areas as a priority.
• There are two transportation infrastructure projects in the Ring of Fire area in the planning phase of the Impact Assessment Act (IAA):

o the Marten Falls Community Access Road Project, proposed by Marten Falls First Nation, that would connect Marten Falls First Nation to existing road networks; and
o the Webequie Supply Road Project, proposed by Webequie First Nation, that would connect Webequie First Nation to the Ring of Fire area.

• Both projects entered into the planning phase of the Impact Assessment Agency (IAA) on August 28, 2019. From September 11 to October 1, 2019, the Agency held public comment periods on the road projects. On October 11, 2019, the Agency issued Summary of Issues documents to each project proponent.
• The Agency has committed to work with interested Indigenous groups to provide capacity building in support of meaningful participation in impact assessment processes on these projects.
• Since the coming into force of the IAA, the Agency has received a request for a Regional Assessment in the Ring of Fire area/James Bay Lowlands from Aroland First Nation.

Question Period notes as provided by the Department to the Minister’s Office