Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Government of Ontario, Caldwell First Nation, the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and the Three Fires Group to establish the Three Fires Nations-Ontario have created a partnership to decide how to spend billions of dollars earmarked for critical infrastructure, transformational investments, and clean energy projects in the region.
“We are on a mission to build this province, and the creation of this economic opportunities table will be a game changer for the people of southwestern Ontario,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We are going to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our First Nations partners to advance critical infrastructure projects and ensure everyone benefits from the opportunities that Ontario holds.”
The Southwestern Ontario Infrastructure and Economic Opportunities Table will decide on infrastructure projects in the area, promote clean energy project investments, identify and investment-ready lands and discuss shared environmental priorities. Recommendations from the table will be shared with First Nations communities, the province, local businesses and municipalities.
“The creation of the Southwestern Ontario Infrastructure and Economic Opportunities Table will lead to enhanced collaboration between the Government of Ontario and area First Nations leadership, and I look forward to the important work that lies ahead,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs.
“We are moving forward on our promise to build the province of Ontario, and this table will allow First Nations partners an opportunity to inform decisions in a respectful forum and share in economic prosperity.”
Three Fires Nations includes Aamjiwnaang First Nation, Bkejwanong First Nation (Walpole Island), Caldwell First Nation, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation.
“This is an historic marker for Caldwell First Nation and we are excited to work in lockstep with the Province of Ontario in building our Nation and the surrounding Nations through this unprecedented announcement,” said Chief Mary Duckworth, Caldwell First Nation. “We are ready to move at the speed of business and look forward to advancing the agenda together with the Premier and his team.”