Poilievre Pledges to Fast-Track Ring of Fire, Commit $1B for Roads

Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has vowed to approve all federal permits for Ontario’s long-delayed Ring of Fire project within six months of taking office and allocate $1 billion to build essential roads in the region. Speaking in Sudbury, Poilievre emphasized the project’s importance in unlocking billions in critical mineral resources and reducing Canada’s reliance on the United States.

Located 500 km north of Thunder Bay, the Ring of Fire contains vast deposits of chromite, cobalt, nickel, copper, and platinum—minerals deemed essential for global supply chains and NATO’s defense strategy. Poilievre accused the Liberals of stalling development, blaming former Environment Ministers Jonathan Wilkinson and Steven Guilbeault for excessive red tape. He argued that the project would create thousands of jobs, boost First Nations economies, and position Canada as a leader in supplying critical minerals to global markets.

“This would allow us to break dependence on Beijing for batteries, turbines, and satellites while securing paycheques for Canadians,” Poilievre stated.

Mining analyst Stan Sudol expressed optimism, calling the project a “golden opportunity” for both economic reconciliation with First Nations and national security. However, Sudbury Liberal MP Viviane Lapointe dismissed Poilievre’s promises as unrealistic, citing the Liberal government’s existing infrastructure commitments.

NDP candidate Nadia Verrelli also criticized the Conservative plan, warning that bypassing proper consultations would cause further delays. She emphasized that an NDP-led government would prioritize Indigenous rights while ensuring responsible resource development.

With U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies dominating voter concerns, Poilievre framed his plan as part of a broader effort to make Canada “a strong, self-reliant sovereign nation.” Whether his pledge will translate into action remains to be seen, but the Ring of Fire is once again at the center of Canada’s political debate.