Over eight years in government, I lost count of the number of letters we sent to Ottawa asking the federal government to match provincial funding for roads that would unlock the Ring of Fire, home to some of Canada’s most storied critical mineral deposits.
We had willing First Nations partners. We had a provincial government ready to invest. We had a federal government with a Critical Minerals Strategy.
What we didn’t have was a deal.
Until now.
Prime Minister Carney has committed up to $1 billion over three years to match the Ontario Government’s investment to build roads to the Ring of Fire.
Yes, this announcement was couched within an $8.7 billion federal-provincial tariff response package, but that doesn’t make it any less impactful. In fact, it raises an interesting question. Did we really need a trade war to find common ground on nation-building projects?
Regardless, this investment is worthy of its own podium announcement and has been a political objective of Premier Ford since June 7, 2018. Eight years later, it is finally becoming a reality. The funding will support the critical infrastructure needed to connect First Nations by road and access the Ring of Fire.
But what took so long?
After all, unlocking the Ring of Fire is one of the Ford government’s marquee policies to support economic reconciliation and features prominently in his tariff response plan and Protect Ontario narrative.
Looking back, the opportunity was never the problem. The challenge was alignment.
Part of the challenge was a difference in philosophy. While Ontario was prepared to move forward with willing First Nations partners, the previous federal government appeared focused on achieving a broader regional consensus before committing funding.
The delay was even more surprising given one of Premier Ford’s political superpowers is his ability to put politics aside and get deals done with leaders from all political stripes. Even with a strong relationship between Ford and then-Federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, a funding commitment eluded the province.
The difference today is that “Captain Canada” seems to have found common ground in Ottawa with Prime Minister Mark Carney. As Canadians, we expect our governments to work together, particularly in times of crisis. In the face of tariffs and personal attacks from President Trump, that is exactly what these two leaders have done.
But there is still an elephant in the room. The Ring of Fire’s potential has never really been in doubt. Getting all the pieces in place to realize that potential has been the challenge.
Wyloo, part of billionaire Andrew Forrest’s private investment group Tattarang, now carries the mantle after paying over half a billion dollars for assets that include the Eagle’s Nest project. As one can imagine, after making an investment of that magnitude in such a remote region, it is reasonable for Wyloo and other players to expect government to support the infrastructure required to develop it.
That is what makes this announcement so important. For the first time in years, there is more certainty around the roads, more certainty around government support and more certainty that Ontario and Ottawa are pulling in the same direction. With roads moving from concept to reality and federal funding now committed, don’t be surprised to see a renewed rush of exploration activity as companies look to secure a position in the Ring of Fire.
Wyloo will not be alone. Established players in the region, including Juno Corp, will undoubtedly be looking closely at opportunities to expand their footprint as infrastructure certainty improves. They will also be looking to establish strong partnerships with First Nations, on whose traditional territory they hope to operate.
For the First Nations, the opportunity extends beyond critical minerals. Improved road access can reduce the cost of goods, improve access to services and create new opportunities for employment, business development and long-term participation in a renewed regional economy.
The opportunity was always there. The alignment was not.
Which brings me back to the question: did we really need a trade war to find common ground on nation-building projects?
Perhaps.
The bigger question is what happens when the pressure subsides. When President Trump moves on and tariffs are no longer dominating the conversation, can we expect the same level of focus on nation-building projects? I certainly hope so.
The Ring of Fire opportunity has existed for decades. The real test will be whether provincial, federal and Indigenous governments can maintain this level of alignment when the pressure subsides. Canadians should not have to wait for the next crisis to see governments work together on projects of national significance.