Province and the Feds get an "F" over the Ring of Fire

The Provincial Liberal government and the federal Conservatives are getting failing grades and the blame for a lack of progress on the resource-rich Ring of Fire development.

That’s the word from the Ontario and North Bay and District Chambers of Commerce, who give the feds an “F” for not making the project a priority.

The province receives a failing grade when it comes to clearing the regulatory logjam.

The Chamber’s report goes on to say years of delay have turned the public against the idea of the project as a viable investment.

Key barriers have been identified as the absence of an agreement with First Nations, problems with issuing permits and Ottawa’s reluctance to commit funding.

President of the local business group, Jake Lacourse says, “The Ring of Fire presents great opportunities here, with staggering numbers of job creation and revenues.”

The report also that Ontario has earmarked a billion-dollars for infrastructure, and says the federal government should contribute an equal amount.

(With files from The Canadian Press)