Pirie says mining in good hands as he moves to bigger Ontario mandate

Timmins MPP George Pirie says he has been given an enormous challenge by Premier Doug Ford. Pirie has been sworn in as Ontario's Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth - and the clue is in the Ministry's new title. "I've said for many years that Northern Ontario is vastly under-developed and the Premier agrees," Pirie told Mining Life Online. 

While Pirie says he will miss the mining portfolio, his new expanded role is a big step up. "The north has incredible resources. I've said it over and over back to when I was mayor of Timmins, we have what the world needs and now, with the Premier's support, we can continue to put Northern Ontario on the world stage." 

Pirie says the north's abundance of critical minerals, fertile agricultural land and our vast, untapped geography are the perfect combination.

As for his plans, Pirie says government support for northern businesses through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund will continue, but his personal and primary focus will be on much bigger projects. 

Stephen Lecce is Ontario's new Minister of Energy & Mines. 

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