The November meeting of the Ring of Fire Task Force included a discussion with Paul Lefebvre, MP Sudbury, about the federal role in the Ring of Fire. The meeting also included a provincial update on the file from Dr. Christine Kaszycki, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Strategic Policy Division and the Ring of Fire Secretariat at the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines.
Paul Lefebvre emphasized the federal government’s commitment to the Ring of Fire and outlined the skills training initiatives undertaken by the federal government in First Nations communities in the region. Paul also noted that the October 26th meeting of the Northern Ontario Caucus, chaired by Marc Serré, included a meeting with the Honourable Bob Rae, Lead Negotiator, Matawa Chiefs Council, and five Ministers as well as a number of MPs to discuss the advancement of the Ring of Fire.
Dr. Chrstine Kaszycki provided a provincial update on the status of the Ring of Fire. She outlined how the province has been working with communities in the Ring of Fire with a focus on building socio-economic capacity and skills training. Christine also provided an update on the Regional Community Service Corridor Study, a joint provincial-federal partnership with the communities of Webequie, Eabametoong, Neskantaga and Nibinamik. She noted that at this time communities are not prepared to announce on a preferred corridor but have identified issues in which more information is needed to make a decision. Next steps are being discussed about how to put an infrastructure plan in place. Christine added that there is significant engagement across provincial Ministries on the Ring of Fire. Christine also spoke about broadband initiatives taking place in Northwestern Ontario.
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