Ford recommits to $1-billion road to the Ring of Fire on campaign trail

Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford doubled down on his promise to build a $1-billion road to the Ring of Fire during a campaign stop in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., on Saturday.

The mineral deposit located about 500 kilometres north of Thunder Bay, Ont., has taken on new importance as the province has shifted its sights to the production of electric vehicles and mining the critical minerals needed to produce their batteries.

"As we build new EV battery facilities and secure massive new investments from the auto companies, these resources have never been more important," Ford said on Saturday.

"I want the minerals extracted here in the north."

Ford said the province has formed partnerships with Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations to plan a northern road link to the Ring of Fire.

"It will help create thousands of new mining jobs and bring countless benefits and opportunities for Indigenous communities, including easier access to everyday goods that most of us take for granted, like groceries, fuel, health care and water," Ford said about the Ring of Fire.

In April, Australian mining company Wyloo Metals purchased Canadian miner Noront Resources, along with its Eagle's Nest project in the Ring of Fire.

The company noted the Ring of Fire has one of the largest high-grade nickel sulphide deposits in the world, and the Eagle's Nest project could become a leading producer of battery metals.

During his campaign visit to Sault Ste.Marie, Ford remained critical of the records of the Ontario Liberals and New Democrats on the Ring of Fire.

"And I just need to remind everyone here in the Sault that Kathleen Wynne and Stephen Del Duca, they had their chance," Ford said, referring to the former and current leaders of the Liberals.

"They started talking about building this road [to the Ring of Fire] in 2011. That's over a decade ago."

Ford noted the NDP "is opposed to building anything."

Michael Mantha, the NDP candidate for Algoma-Manitoulin, said both the Liberals and Conservatives have failed to properly consult with First Nations on the Ring of Fire.

"Both the Liberal and the Conservative government have missed the boat.," Mantha said.