June 16 funding announcement in Thunder Bay<\/a>, Ford dared Ottawa to match Ontario\u2019s $1-billion commitment to build the road network and upgrade the Webequie First Nation airport.<\/p>\n\u201cGuess how much the feds have put in? Zip, zero, zilch,\u201d said Ford. \u201cThey can keep talking about it. Rather than talking, show us the money.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney signed an co-operation agreement late last year to expedite and streamline\u00a0the timelines and regulatory structure for environmental assessment and approvals on major projects of national significance.<\/p>\n
In introducing the federal government\u2019s Major Projects Office last September, Carney said additional developments like the Ring of Fire would be included in their new strategy at some point.<\/p>\n
Ford said it\u2019ll cost $600 million to expand and repair transportation infrastructure across Northern Ontario and the Carney government needs to invest in areas of federal jurisdiction.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just can\u2019t go it alone all the time,\u201d said Ford. \u201cThe feds have to step up and start pitching in and I\u2019ve not yet seen that.\u201d:<\/p>\n
When Ford was asked for his reaction about the views of some First Nation communities who insist Ring of Fire development is happening too quickly, he responded he\u2019s in frequent contact with chiefs across Ontario who want better community infrastructure, investment in local projects, reliable power connections, and to be partners in major development.<\/p>\n
Ford claims his government is consulting with Indigenous leaders and has provided \u201cten times\u201d more support than Ottawa with on-reserve investments in airports, health care and long-term care facilities.<\/p>\n
Though Ford been the frequent target of protest from the Grassy Narrows reserve,\u00a0and those advocating for remediation to tackle the ongoing mercury poisoning water crisis in the community, the premier offered his support and agreed\u00a0to meet on that issue, but, again, pointed the finger at the federal government for shirking its responsibility.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d love to support them anyway we can. The number one priority is have clean drinking water for everyone in Ontario, but again, where are the feds?\u201d<\/p>\n
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