Patrick Brown Calls for Action from Liberal Government on Ring of Fire
QUEEN’S PARK – Today, Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown asked the Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle about the government’s inaction in harnessing the economic potential of the Ring of Fire.
The Liberal Government had previously committed to investing $1 billion to develop the economic potential of the region. However, no firm timeline has been offered on when Ontarians can expect to see development in the region.
“It’s been 8 years since the Ring of Fire was discovered. It’s been 5 years since the government created the Ring of Fire Secretariat and we’ve yet to see a shovel in the ground,” said Leader Patrick Brown. “In fact, this government can’t even commit to a start-date for development.”
The Ring of Fire has been described as Ontario’s own Oil Sands, containing an expected $60 billion in mineral resources. The first ten years of operations in the region would see a projected increase of $9.4 billion to the province’s GDP, the generation of $2 billion in revenue across all levels of government, while sustaining 5,500 jobs.
“Platitudes and photo-ops don’t get shovels in the ground. They don’t get people working. Only a firm timeline for construction of a transportation corridor in the Ring of Fire will give investors the confidence they need,” added Brown.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtkz-Dt0erA