Ford’s Bill 5 Sets Stage to Fast-Track Ring of Fire

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has introduced Bill 5 to break the gridlock that has stalled major infrastructure projects—chief among them the Ring of Fire mining district in the Hudson Bay Lowlands. By creating “special economic zones” exempt from many municipal and provincial regulations, the legislation grants cabinet sweeping authority to determine which rules apply and expedite development timelines.

Ford’s “Get It Done” mantra underpins the push to tap the Ring of Fire’s vast deposits of nickel, chromite, platinum, palladium and copper. The 5,000 km² area spans federal and provincial Crown land as well as Indigenous reserves.

“It’s about creating an opportunity for First Nations communities who for too long have lived in the kind of socio-economic conditions that are completely unacceptable,” Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford said, framing the initiative as a pathway to economic inclusion.

Yet the proposal has ignited fierce opposition. Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation warns of “conflict on the ground” and potential arrests, while the Chiefs of Ontario insist consultation must precede any zone designation.

NPD MPP Sol Mamakwa, whose riding encompasses the Ring of Fire, predicts blockades of both mines and roads, and opposition leaders have denounced the bill as a “power grab.”

Ford’s government contends that lengthy consultation processes have twice derailed Ring of Fire projects—once driving a $3 billion investor away in 2012 and again stalling efforts restarted in 2013. To soften resistance, the legislation earmarks $3 billion in loans for First Nations partnerships and now explicitly includes Indigenous peoples’ constitutional right to consultation.

A Fraser Institute report notes federal spending on Indigenous programs rose from $11 billion in 2015 to $32 billion in 2025, with living standards on reserves improving only marginally, suggesting development projects may offer a more sustainable uplift.


Information for this story was found via National Post and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

Gold Bulls Run Faster Than New Mines?! | Thomas Mumford – Scottie Resources

Is This the Start of a New Gold Rush | Russell Ashton – Juggernaut Exploration

Uranium Is Back On America’s Radar | Corey Dias –  Anfield Energy

Recommended

ESGold Secures $9 Million In Non-Dilutive Funding From Ocean Partners

Altamira Gold Encounters Porphyritic Intrusive Rocks In Initial Scout Drilling At Regional Targets

Related News

Report: Ontario On The Brink Of Energy Crisis

A startling report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), an electricity regulator, warns...

Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 10:59:26 AM

Ontario Is Not Prepared For Its Future Population

Ontario’s population is expected to surge by 30% in the next two decades, but some...

Monday, August 29, 2022, 10:41:00 AM

Doug Ford Wants To Cut Power Exports To US, Believing US Wouldn’t Do The Same

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has vowed to sever electricity exports to the US, originally proposed...

Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 08:40:00 AM

Ontario Suspends Commercial Truck Drivers’ Licenses Over Alleged Training Fraud

Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation has suspended the commercial driver’s licenses of hundreds of truck drivers...

Thursday, September 11, 2025, 12:56:00 PM

Ontario Airbnb Hosts Could Owe Thousands in Taxes After New Court Ruling

Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB) hosts in Ontario were hit with a tax bombshell recently, as a...

Monday, October 28, 2024, 11:32:00 AM