Ontario Construction News staff writer
Webequie First Nation and Marten Falls First Nation are welcoming Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s pledge to invest $1 billion in road infrastructure to the Ring of Fire and improve the federal permitting process. The promise directly addresses the First Nations’ long-standing requests for funding and supports their efforts to develop sustainable infrastructure that connects communities and creates economic opportunities.
Community leaders were reacting to the announcement Poilievre made at an event in Sudbury last week, prior to the start of a federal election campaign.
“This commitment shows that our years of work and planning are being recognized,” said Chief Bruce Achneepineskum of Marten Falls First Nation. “The infrastructure we’re building will support economic growth, better services, and more employment for our communities.
“It’s important that our communities stay at the centre of decision-making. We need partnerships that respect our leadership to make sure development in the Ring of Fire is done right and in a way that protects the land for future generations.”
The Northern Road Link, a key project led by Webequie and Marten Falls First Nations, aims to link remote communities to Ontario’s provincial highway network. The all-season road will be vital for transportation, access to services, and resource development in the Ring of Fire region.
“This investment will provide much-needed all-season access to our communities and open up economic opportunities for our people, both now and in the future,” said Chief Cornelius Wabasse of Webequie First Nation. “The federal support for funding and revenue sharing is a positive sign for our vision and our right to self-determination.
“We look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that any development respects our values and priorities.”
The Northern Road Link is seen as a solution to improve quality of life in the region, offering reliable infrastructure that can support responsible resource development. It will also improve access to essential services and provide a safer means of transportation for local residents.
Both First Nations remain dedicated to pursuing economic self-reliance, while ensuring the development respects the land and creates opportunities, especially for young people. With the federal investment, they are hopeful the Northern Road Link will help bring long-term economic benefits and progress toward economic reconciliation for remote First Nations in Ontario.