During the last weekend of the provincial election campaign in Ontario, Progressive Conservative Leader Doug Ford visited northern Ontario and highlighted his promise to accelerate project approvals in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region. Ford emphasized the importance of mining critical minerals in the region to protect Ontario’s economy and leverage on the global stage, particularly in the face of possible tariffs from the U.S. He announced plans to push Ottawa to remove federal barriers and red tape in order to unlock the economic potential of the Ring of Fire. Additionally, he pledged to invest in programs aimed at increasing First Nations’ participation in various sectors, including mining, by providing training and support for equity participation.
Ford’s government has made mining the Ring of Fire a key priority, with the goal of developing an end-to-end electric vehicle manufacturing chain in Ontario. He called the provincial election more than a year early, citing the need for a stronger mandate to protect Ontario’s economy and navigate the challenges of a Donald Trump presidency in the United States. Ford has made multiple trips to Washington during the campaign, focusing on trade relations and economic strategies. While the other major party leaders criticized the early election as unnecessary, Ford defended his decision and continued to campaign across the province in the final days leading up to the vote.
During his visit to northern Ontario, Ford also announced an additional $70 million for the Aboriginal Participation Fund to support First Nations workers in benefitting directly from critical mineral development. He also introduced $3 billion of new funding for a program designed to facilitate First Nations equity participation, which was presented as a triple the existing loan guarantee program. The initiative aims to enhance collaboration and economic opportunities for Indigenous communities in the province, particularly in the mining industry. These investments underscore Ford’s commitment to promoting inclusion and diversity in various sectors, including the resource extraction industry.
Meanwhile, other party leaders were also actively campaigning across the province in the final stretch before the election on Thursday. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner unveiled proposals targeted at Ontario youth, including the elimination of interest on student debt, lowering the voting age to 16, and reducing wait times for youth mental health services. Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie cast an advance ballot in Mississauga and planned to canvass in Toronto ridings, while NDP Leader Marit Stiles made stops in Toronto and Kingston with an evening rally in Ottawa. The Liberals and the NDP released their full platforms, with the Progressive Conservatives set to unveil theirs on Monday.
Overall, the Ontario provincial election campaign was marked by discussions on various policy proposals and strategies to address key issues facing the province. Doug Ford’s focus on accelerating project approvals in the Ring of Fire region and enhancing Indigenous participation in mining projects reflect his priorities for economic development and job creation. As voters prepare to head to the polls, the different party leaders continue to engage with Ontarians on their platforms and visions for the future of the province. The outcome of the election will shape Ontario’s direction in the coming years, particularly in response to economic challenges and international relations concerns.
