Overview

• Doug Ford, seeking a third term as Ontario's premier, highlighted his plan to accelerate approvals for mining projects in the Ring of Fire region during a campaign stop in Thunder Bay.
• Ford framed the development of critical minerals as essential for Ontario's economic leverage against potential U.S. tariffs and for establishing a domestic electric vehicle supply chain.
• The Progressive Conservative leader announced $70 million in additional funding for the Aboriginal Participation Fund to train First Nations workers for critical mineral projects.
• Ford also pledged $3 billion to expand a loan guarantee program supporting First Nations equity participation in various sectors, including mining.
• Ontario's main party leaders are campaigning across the province ahead of Thursday's election, with the Progressive Conservatives set to release their platform on Monday.