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3mo ago

Doug Ford Pledges Faster Project Approvals for Ontario's Ring of Fire

On the final weekend of Ontario's election campaign, Ford emphasizes critical mineral development and First Nations participation in key projects.

Ontario PC Leader Doug Ford steps off his campaign bus as he makes a campaign stop at HPG, a manufacturing facility in Milton, on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie makes an announcement in Toronto on Friday, February 21, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
A composite image made from four file photographs show, from left to right, Ontario Liberal Party Leader Bonnie Crombie in Mississauga, Ont., Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025; Ontario Progressive Conservative Party Leader Doug Ford in Toronto, Friday, Feb. 7, 2025; Leader of the Ontario NDP Marit Stiles in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., Friday, Feb. 7, 2025; and Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner in Kitchener, Ont., Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

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.