Statement – Marten Falls First Nation Submits Environmental Assessment Supporting Roads to the Ring of Fire
Press Release
February 20, 2026
TORONTO – Today, Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships, released the following statement:
“On behalf of Premier Ford and the Government of Ontario, I sincerely congratulate Marten Falls First Nation on submitting the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed Marten Falls Community Access Road. With the submission of the EA and Ontario’s signing of the cooperation agreement with the federal government, we remain on track to get shovels in the ground on this project as soon as August 2026.
The proposed Marten Falls Community Access Road would connect Marten Falls First Nation to Ontario’s provincial highway network, increasing access, helping foster current and future economic development opportunities as well as improving quality of life for community members. We are continuing to build on our Community Partnership Agreement with Marten Falls First Nation to unlock the Ring of Fire while advancing shared priorities and developing legacy infrastructure and community supports.
With the potential to add $22 billion and 70,000 jobs to Ontario’s economy, the Ring of Fire is a multi-generational opportunity that could provide better access to social and health services, create economic and training opportunities, improve food security and reduce the cost of living for First Nations and Northern Ontario communities. In lockstep with First Nations, we are creating the conditions for meaningful employment and economic opportunities spanning generations.
We look forward to working alongside Chief Bruce Achneepineskum and all the community members of Marten Falls First Nation as we continue our government-to-government partnership and shared goals of providing reliable year-round access to the community, while addressing community priorities and advancing economic reconciliation.”
Additional Resources
Marten Falls community access road project
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Media Contacts
Jenna DePaiva
Minister’s Office
Jenna.DePaiva@ontario.ca
416-371-9812
Flavia Mussio
Communications Branch
Flavia.Mussio@ontario.ca
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