Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict has released a statement in response to remarks provided earlier today by Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre that, if elected, his government will “unlock” the Ring of Fire region in Northern Ontario by green lighting all federal permits within six months.
Wednesday during a press event in Sudbury, Ont., Pierre Poilievre vowed to commit $1 billion over three years to build a road network to connect Ring of Fire communities with mineral deposits and Ontario’s highways.
“If the federal Conservatives want to develop Northern Ontario, First Nations must be at the table from the beginning and must work towards obtaining the free, prior and informed consent of First Nations in the area,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “First Nations are all unique and there are many different positions on mining developments in the north. But what they all have in common is that their sovereignty, jurisdiction and rights must be respected. Treaties and inherent rights must be recognized.”
“Mr. Poilievre wants to partner with First Nations. While these sentiments are welcomed and reflect the First Nations’ desires to partner, we must be equal partners,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “If any government is serious, First Nations must be at the table and have their concerns heard.”
The Ring of Fire region is said to contain vast quantities of critical minerals like chromite, cobalt, copper, nickel, and platinum—all used in industrial manufacturing, construction and other applications. With trade tensions between Canada and the United States on the rise, many are turning to Northern Ontario as an answer to economic concerns.
“First Nations across this province echo the same concerns as other regions across the country. We too need to put food on the table. Our economic futures are intertwined. If we fail, Canada fails. So let’s move forward in a good way that respects each other while honouring our Treaties, title and inherent rights,” said Ontario Regional Chief Benedict. “The country’s economy cannot supplant its legal and fiduciary responsibilities to First Nations.”
