Minister of Northern Development and Mines Rick Bartolucci said Ontario has updated a memorandum of co-operation (MOC) with the Webequie First Nation to advance discussions with the federal government to “fully participate” in the Ring of Fire.
A June 14 press release said the province is committed to providing Webequie with “social, community and economic development supports and resource revenue sharing associated with mine developments in the Ring of Fire.
Webequie is the closest community to the Ring of Fire chromite and base metal deposits in the James Bay lowlands.
The two parties will work together on a regional environmental monitoring and regional infrastructure planning.
The agreement builds on a previous memorandum signed in 2004.
“Development in the Ring of Fire must be approached in a responsible and inclusive manner and must bring long-term prosperity to First Nations through appropriate engagement and resources,” said Bartolucci.
“The MOC represents a very positive step forward and speaks clearly to our community's aspirations to be a real partner in the development of our traditional territory,” said Chief Cornelius Wabasse of Webequie.
.jpeg;w=120;h=80;mode=crop)
