Commission on the Reform of Ontario's Public Services

Ring of Fire
Chapter 13: Environment and Natural Resources
The Ring of Fire development in northern Ontario represents a significant opportunity to both
realize major mineral development in the region and improve socio-economic opportunity and
quality of life for Aboriginal People and other residents of the north. Managed properly,
the project will provide benefits over several decades.
Success in the Ring of Fire will require collaboration between Aboriginal People, industry, and
the federal and provincial governments. With a focus on creating a healthy workforce,
education and skills training, and basic community infrastructure, the government should take
innovative approaches to expand labour-market and training programs for First Nations
communities. This approach would include implementing a full range of employment programs
and related social supports that are available through social assistance for recipients living on
reserve. These include education programs, job-specific training, literacy programs and
programs that support young parents. The <strong>Commission</strong> is optimistic that industry partners will
employ Aboriginal People throughout the life of the Ring of Fire and work as partners with
government to deliver or fund (perhaps both) the employment and training services required.
If voluntary efforts by the business sector lag, the government should consider putting a levy
on mining-related activities to directly fund initiatives that will prepare Aboriginal People to
participate economically in the Ring of Fire.
The government should also enhance its efforts to develop partnerships with the private and
not-for-profit sectors in supporting innovative programs such as “Right to Play,” which focus on
promoting leadership among Aboriginal youth — essential for future growth and prosperity.
The federal and provincial governments also have a responsibility to improve regulatory
certainty in order to secure future investment and growth in the region. This should include
streamlining and co-ordinating environmental assessment and regulatory processes to
improve timelines while ensuring Aboriginal communities have the capacity to fully participate
in these processes.
Recommendation 13-8: Ensure that the government’s approach to the Ring of Fire
maximizes opportunities for Aboriginal People and all Ontarians.
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