Last week, Ontario Premier Doug Ford delivered some electrifying news. The province intends to use the mineral-rich Ring of Fire to create a special economic zone “as soon as possible.” Tensions are running high as demonstrations spread from coast-to-coast among Indigenous Nations. Now they’re fighting mad over the government’s plans for the swollen stretch of land.
The Ring of Fire lies in the Kiiwetinoong region, represented by NDP legislator Sol Mamakwa. This region is well known for its deep, rich deposits of valuable minerals such as nickel, copper, and chromite. Just last week, scores of First Nations citizens traveled down from northern Ontario to the provincial legislature at Queen’s Park. In particular, they were there to witness the passing of Bill 5, or Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, which is directly linked to advancing the development within the Ring of Fire.
Premier Ford received backlash from Sol Mamakwa, who accused him of “telling untruths” about the government’s engagement with First Nations regarding their plans for the area. As Indigenous leaders have said, these are valid and serious concerns. In doing so, it has ignited conversations about and plans for future blockades of highways, railways, and mines to protest the Alberta provincial government’s escalation.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford and Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce stated that they would delay making the Ring of Fire a special economic zone until they have consulted all affected First Nations. Despite this pledge, Premier Ford’s government is continuing to move ahead with realigning the current, localized project—which has generated massive public opposition.
So far, three First Nations have signed accommodation agreements with the province. They have united to create infrastructure that would link the Ring of Fire to the provincial highway network. These agreements can create a win-win by helping the federal government build needed roads more quickly while delivering benefits to local communities.
Tensions have boiled over inside the curiously serene appearing Ontario legislature in recent weeks. Security staff physically removed as many as a dozen peaceful protestors from the chambers during hearings on Bill 5’s passage. Mamakwa’s expulsion earlier this week, Mamakwa was thrown out of the legislatures earlier this week. He lambasted it for the hypocrisy of Premier Ford’s rhetoric around the Ring of Fire.
Ford’s government continues to insist that the project is a “once in a generation opportunity” for First Nations communities.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity for our First Nations communities and I understand some may disagree, but I’ll tell you, a lot of them agree.” – Doug Ford
The legislature is preparing for its annual summer recess, which runs through October 20th. As the world waits, the future of the Ring of Fire remains uncertain. The ongoing dialogue between the provincial government and First Nations will be critical in determining how this contentious issue unfolds.
