GREENSTONE – Ontario-wide polling indicates that while there is a low level of awareness of the massive Ring of Fire mineral find, Ontarians believe that area First Nations have an important role in shaping the area’s future. The poll was undertaken in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Municipality of Greenstone and Aroland First Nation (a member of the Matawa Tribal Council).
The telephone poll of 1,000 randomly selected Ontarians was conducted June 8 – 13, 2012 by OraclePoll Research.
Greenstone Mayor, Renald Beaulieu observed, “This research was undertaken to better understand Ontarians’ opinion of the position that Greenstone supports – that, Ring of Fire resources should be processed in or smelted in the First Nation territory where they are found. The polling indicates that many more people support this position than oppose it.”
Aroland First Nation Chief, Sonny Gagnon commented, “We are extremely pleased with these research findings; they validate what we have known for a long time. It is important for us to know that the majority of Ontarians support the position that we the First Nations should not allow the mining to happen unless processing occurs in our territory.”
Polling results by question:
Q1. Are you aware of the Ring of Fire mineral discovery in Northern Ontario?
Q2. The Ring of Fire is being developed as a mining project, and it is located in First Nations territory in Northern Ontario. In your opinion, should the Ring of Fire resources be processed or smelted in the First Nations area that it is mined in?\
Q3. Should the First Nations have been consulted on this issue?
Q4. Do you support or oppose the position of the First Nations that they will not allow the mining to take place unless it is processed in their territory?
