Clement won't allow Ring of Fire to be 'mired in uncertainty'
Tony Clement calls mineral-rich Ring of Fire project a 'complex, generational opportunity'
CBC News
Posted: Feb 19, 2013 3:21 PM ET
Last Updated: Feb 19, 2013 3:14 PM ET
The chromite-rich area known as the Ring of Fire file is controversial among environmentalists, First Nations and many communities who would be affected by the large-scale building of infrastructure and possibly decades of mining. Newly appointed federal government lead Tony Clement says his main role is to listen to all interested parties and save decision-making until later. (CBC)
In depth: Cliffs Natural Resources and the Ring of Fire
- Federal agencies raise flags over Ring of Fire
- Cliffs Natural Resources misleading investors, chief says
- Sudbury gets $1.8B chromite smelter
- Smelter announcement 'like a funeral' for northwest
- Chromite mine talks could 'devolve into conflict'
- 'Kill me first,' Neskantaga chief tells Cliffs
- Ontario accused of breaking the law on mining project
- Discord over NW Ont. mine was avoidable, lawyer says
- Minister asked to deny permits for road to Ring-of-Fire mine project
- N. Ont. First Nation confronts foreign mining interests
- First Nation wants to slow the pace of mining activities
Tony Clement, Canada's Treasury Board president and FedNor minister, has officially taken on federal responsibility for the massive Ring of Fire mineral discovery in northern Ontario.
Speaking Tuesday afternoon to members of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, Clement said he would be co-ordinating the government's engagement with stakeholders, in conjunction with several federal ministries such as Aboriginal Affairs, Industry, Natural Resources, Environment, Health, and Infrastructure.
Treasury Board president Tony Clement says he is very familiar with the Ring of Fire development because he is also the minister for FedNor, the federal regional development agency for northern Ontario. (Gord Ellis/CBC)Clement said he is very familiar with the development because he is also responsible for FedNor, the regional development agency for northern Ontario.
The minister told reporters he planned to meet soon with first nations' leaders to discuss issues concerning the Ring of Fire.
Project will be ‘complex’
Clement said he didn't expect his new job to be "easy-peasy," but he added he is looking forward to moving the project ahead. Clement called the mineral-rich area in northwestern Ontario "a generational opportunity," offering the prospect of several decades of mining and thousands of jobs.
"I don't believe this is an opportunity we can afford to let pass us by,” he said during his speech.
"The Ring of Fire is no ordinary mine development. It is a unique platform from which to materially improve the quality of life for thousands ... We can't allow this development to stall and become mired in paralysis and uncertainty."
With so many stakeholders, the project will be “complex ... But that is not a reason to shrug your shoulders and walk away," he said.
Clement also told reporters that he has been in touch with the office of Michael Gravelle, Ontario's new minister of Mines and Northern Development. The two are expected to meet in the near future.
Additional funding for Thunder Bay
During his Thunder Bay visit the minister also announced FedNor funding worth more than $4 million.
A total of $1.5 million went to the Thunder Bay airport to expand its industrial park.
The Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre received nearly $750,000, partly to establish an advanced manufacturing lab.
During a news conference held at the airport, Clement also announced almost $700,000 to help two Thunder Bay businesses with the development of a digital mammography device (XLV Diagnostics Inc.) and a management software system (Qwan Technologies Inc.).
Later on Tuesday, the minister visited the PARO Centre for Women's Enterprise and announced a FedNor investment of $1.5 million to fund workshops and training sessions for women entrepreneurs and business owners in northern Ontario, including outreach activities for aboriginal and Francophone women.
With files from Canadian PressShare Tools
Latest Thunder Bay News Headlines
- Fort William First Nation assessing flood damage
- Flooded homes and washed out roads prompted Fort William First Nation to declare a state of emergency. more »
- Horwath says NDP will support Ontario Liberal budget
- Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says her party will support the Liberal budget, avoiding a spring election, after the premier agreed to the NDP's call for an independent financial accountability officer. more »
- Oklahoma tornado death count not firm, governor says
- The number of deaths caused by the Oklahoma tornado may yet rise, Gov. Mary Fallin indicates, saying there have been 237 injuries reported in the aftermath of the storm 16 kilometres south of Oklahoma City. more »
- 7 provincial parks closed due to Ontario MNR budget cuts
- Budget cuts forced seven Ontario provincial parks to remain closed this Victoria Day weekend. Three were closed due to inclement weather. more »
Must Watch
Top News Headlines
- 'Very upset' Harper wants fast Senate spending reform
- Prime Minister Stephen Harper told the Conservative caucus this morning that he's "upset" about the recent conduct of some senators and his own office, and he wants Senate spending rules tightened quickly. more »
- Children driven around too much, Canadian report suggests
- Fewer Canadian kids are commuting by walking or biking as a new report reveals a marked decline among young people using active modes of transportation. more »
- Keith Boag: Have you heard about the murderous abortion doctor?
- The gruesome trial and murder conviction of Philadelphia abortion provider Dr. Kermit Gosnell is unlikely to change American abortion law, Keith Boag writes. But it has U.S. journalists questioning their priorities and how they cover such a sensitive issue. more »
- Oklahoma tornado death count not firm, governor says
- The number of deaths caused by the Oklahoma tornado may yet rise, Gov. Mary Fallin indicates, saying there have been 237 injuries reported in the aftermath of the storm 16 kilometres south of Oklahoma City. more »