Ontario Premier Doug Ford, screen shot. April 29, 2024
Premier Doug Ford is bringing new money to four First Nations in northwestern Ontario.
The province has committed to building and improving highway infrastructure to connect more First Nations communities to the province’s highway network. This work includes maintenance and upgrades to Highway 584 and Highway 11.
The Workforce Development Program is receiving $1.9 million to provide training and support for jobs related to mineral development in the region.
The Migizi Plaza Rest Stop development also received a boost with $2 million being provided for construction and maintenance. The rest stop will serve the community while creating new jobs.
“As we rebuild Ontario’s economy, our government is developing meaningful partnerships with First Nations across Ontario that create real opportunities for economic growth and job creation,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Together with First Nations partners, we’re improving and upgrading northern roads to better connect First Nations communities to the province’s highway network and to support future critical mineral and resource development opportunities. These are all-season roads that will support First Nations communities, built by First Nations workers.”
It was also announced that the province plans to relocate the Greenstone OPP detachment, with support for the relocation costs from Greenstone Gold Mine. The station is being relocated to ensure people have access to police services, following the displacement of the station during the mine’s construction.
“Our government is proud to build consensus with First Nations leaders around key economic development opportunities in the north,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development and Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nation Economic Reconciliation. “Through strategic partnerships and critical infrastructure investments, we are laying the foundation for Greenstone to become the new centre of gravity for mining, in partnership with First Nations.”
This comes as the province has signed letters of confirmation with Kenogamisis Investment Corporation (KIC) and Minodahmun Development LP to support renewed partnerships while providing economic and resource development opportunities, including future critical minerals projects.
KIC is a joint venture corporation of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Aroland First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation and Long Lake #58 First Nation, created to maximize participation by the First Nations in development projects.
Minodahmun Development LP is a 100 per cent First Nation-owned partnership created by Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, Aroland First Nation and Ginoogaming First Nation to ensure First Nations benefit from development while growing the local economy.
The letter outlined the new projects and funding from the province, with all sides signing.
