Poilievre promising to build Ring of Fire, First Nations want a seat
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, delivered a rallying speech in Sudbury Wednesday, vowing to end what he called "government-induced paralysis" over the development of the Ring of Fire. The mineral-rich region in northern Ontario has long been touted as a major economic opportunity, yet remains stalled by regulatory hurdles. Poilievre promised a common-sense approach to accelerate permitting, invest in infrastructure, and ensure northern communities benefit from the economic boom.
Regulatory Gridlock Stalling Development
"We've known about the Ring of Fire for decades," Poilievre said to an enthusiastic crowd. "And yet, when I asked a First Nations leader from Marten Falls if shovels were in the ground, he looked at me and said, 'Snow shovels.' That’s all that’s been approved so far."
Poilievre blamed the delays on federal bureaucracy, particularly the current permitting process. "Five years just to consider the possibility of maybe approving a highway to a mine? That’s insanity. Investors are walking away, and the opportunity to develop this world-class resource is slipping through our fingers."
Fast-Tracking the Highway and Mining Approvals
Under a Poilievre-led government, he pledged that permitting would be fast-tracked, with a goal of granting approvals within six months. "We're not going to let regulatory red tape kill the Ring of Fire. A Conservative government will ensure the permits to build the highway and start digging the mines are issued within six months."
To support the necessary infrastructure, Poilievre announced a commitment to invest $1 billion in building the access highway to the Ring of Fire. "The aggregate and asphalt used for that road will likely come from right here in Sudbury," he added, emphasizing that northern Ontario workers and businesses would reap the economic benefits.
Reversing Anti-Resource Development Policies
Poilievre took aim at the Liberal government's environmental policies, particularly Bill C-69, which he described as a major obstacle to mining projects. "The Liberals’ radical ‘keep-it-in-the-ground’ ideology is strangling our resource sector," he said. "We're going to repeal C-69 and restore common sense to resource development."
He also criticized former Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, calling out his opposition to road construction and infrastructure development. "The guy in charge of approving roads doesn’t believe in building them at all," Poilievre remarked. "That’s who’s been standing in the way of getting the Ring of Fire off the ground."
Economic Opportunity for Northern Ontario
Beyond the Ring of Fire, Poilievre emphasized Sudbury's central role in northern Ontario’s economy. "Sudbury is the economic hub of northern Ontario. This city will see enormous opportunities from the development of the Ring of Fire, with jobs in mining, manufacturing, and infrastructure."
He also had a message for the region’s youth: "If you’re a teenager today, start planning for a career in the trades. We need more boots, not more suits. There will be real, well-paying jobs building the roads, working in the mines, and supplying the materials needed for these projects."
Restoring Canada’s Resource Leadership
Poilievre framed his broader economic vision around resource independence, energy security, and national prosperity. "We have the resources, the workers, and the know-how to be the richest country in the world. The only thing standing in our way is government interference. It’s time to bring back common sense."
His message was clear: A Conservative government under Pierre Poilievre would put Canada’s resource workers back to work, cut through bureaucracy, and unlock the economic potential of the Ring of Fire.
Abram Benedict Ontario Regional Chief has released a statement in response to remarks provided earlier today by Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre that, if elected, his government will “unlock” the Ring of Fire region in Northern Ontario by green lighting all federal permits within six months.
During a press event in Sudbury, Ont., Pierre Poilievre vowed to commit $1 billion over three years to build a road network to connect Ring of Fire communities with mineral deposits and Ontario’s highways.
“If the federal Conservatives want to develop Northern Ontario, First Nations must be at the table from the beginning and they must work towards obtaining the free, prior and informed consent of First Nations in the area,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “First Nations are all unique and there are many different positions on mining developments in the north. But what they all have in common is that their sovereignty, jurisdiction and rights must be respected. Treaties and inherent rights must be recognized.”
“Mr. Poilievre wants to partner with First Nations. While these sentiments are welcomed and reflect the First Nations’ desires to partner, we must be equal partners,” said Regional Chief Benedict. “If any government is serious, First Nations must be at the table and have their concerns heard.”
The Ring of Fire region is said to contain vast quantities of critical minerals like chromite, cobalt, copper, nickel, and platinum—all used in industrial manufacturing, construction and other applications. With trade tensions between Canada and the United States on the rise, many are turning to Northern Ontario as an answer to economic concerns.
“First Nations across this province echo the same concerns as other regions across the country. We too need to put food on the table. Our economic futures are intertwined. If we fail, Canada fails. So let’s move forward in a good way that respects each other while honouring our Treaties, title and inherent rights,” said Ontario Regional Chief Benedict. “The country’s economy cannot supplant its legal and fiduciary responsibilities to First Nations.”
By Kevin Vincent, Senior Contributing Editor to Mining Life Online and Mining Life & Exploration News.
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