Statement – Webequie First Nation Submits Environmental Assessment, Marking Progress Toward the Ring of Fire

Press Release

January 30, 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 Webequie First Nation on submitting the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed Webequie Supply Road. With the submission of the EA and Ontario’s signing of the cooperative agreement with the federal government, we remain on track to get shovels in the ground beginning in June 2026.

The proposed Webequie Supply Road would foster the pathway to economic reconciliation and responsible resource development. We are continuing to build on our Community Partnership Agreement with Webequie First Nation to unlock the Ring of Fire while advancing shared priorities and developing important 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 communities, we are creating the conditions for meaningful employment and economic opportunities spanning generations.

We look forward to working alongside Chief Lorraine Whitehead and all the community members of Webequie First Nation as we continue our government-to-government partnership and shared goals of developing the all-season road, addressing community priorities and advancing economic reconciliation.”

Additional Resources

Webequie supply road project