Latest news with #ImpactAssessmentAct
Edmonton Journal
2 days ago
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
Smith, Moe renew calls for Ottawa to allow more resource development
Article content Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe renewed their calls on Wednesday for the federal government to better encourage the development of provincial resources. Speaking from the Saskatchewan side of Lloydminster, Smith again reiterated her prior nine demands she put to Prime Minister Mark Carney, including overhauling the Impact Assessment Act, eliminating the oil and gas emissions cap, lifting the tanker ban off the northern coast of B.C., and scrapping the clean electricity regulations, among others. Article content 'The national self-sabotage that has happened over the last 10 years has to end,' Smith said at a news conference. The two premiers issued a joint statement during that media event, saying their governments came together 'to make a unified call for national change.' 'Alberta and Saskatchewan agree that the federal government must change its policies if it is to reach its stated goal of becoming a global energy superpower and having the strongest economy in the G7,' it reads. Carney has pledged to strengthen Canada's economy and is seeking to pass legislation this week to lay the groundwork for expedited approval of major projects. Bill C-5 proposes granting the federal government sweeping powers over a five-year period to expedite approvals of infrastructure megaprojects deemed to be in the national interest by cabinet. 'The very fact that Bill C-5 has been introduced … I think, is an admission that this hard work does have to happen,' Moe said. Article content Smith said the bill was a necessary, but not sufficient, condition to reach Carney's goal. 'If (Carney) very soon is able to announce a project list that has 20 or more substantial projects on it that include mining projects, and transmission projects, and power projects, and pipeline projects, I think that would send a pretty big message to the world about the direction that we're going,' she said. The premiers met with Carney in Saskatchewan earlier this month to pitch him on megaprojects they would like to see developed. Carney's government has not yet announced which projects, or how many, it intends to pursue. Smith has sought a bitumen pipeline to the Port of Prince Rupert in northern B.C. with the goal of increasing exports to Asia, though B.C.'s government has been cool the idea, noting a private-sector proponent for such a project has yet to materialize. Latest National Stories
Calgary Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Smith, Moe renew calls for Ottawa to allow more resource development
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe renewed their calls on Wednesday for the federal government to better encourage the development of provincial resources. Article content Speaking from the Saskatchewan side of Lloydminster, Smith again reiterated her prior nine demands she put to Prime Minister Mark Carney, including overhauling the Impact Assessment Act, eliminating the oil and gas emissions cap, lifting the tanker ban off the northern coast of B.C., and scrapping the clean electricity regulations, among others. Article content Article content 'The national self-sabotage that has happened over the last 10 years has to end,' Smith said at a news conference. Article content Article content The two premiers issued a joint statement during that media event, saying their governments came together 'to make a unified call for national change.' Article content 'Alberta and Saskatchewan agree that the federal government must change its policies if it is to reach its stated goal of becoming a global energy superpower and having the strongest economy in the G7,' it reads. Article content Carney has pledged to strengthen Canada's economy and is seeking to pass legislation this week to lay the groundwork for expedited approval of major projects. Article content Bill C-5 proposes granting the federal government sweeping powers over a five-year period to expedite approvals of infrastructure megaprojects deemed to be in the national interest by cabinet. Article content 'The very fact that Bill C-5 has been introduced … I think, is an admission that this hard work does have to happen,' Moe said. Article content Article content Smith said the bill was a necessary, but not sufficient, condition to reach Carney's goal. Article content 'If (Carney) very soon is able to announce a project list that has 20 or more substantial projects on it that include mining projects, and transmission projects, and power projects, and pipeline projects, I think that would send a pretty big message to the world about the direction that we're going,' she said. Article content The premiers met with Carney in Saskatchewan earlier this month to pitch him on megaprojects they would like to see developed. Article content Carney's government has not yet announced which projects, or how many, it intends to pursue.
Toronto Sun
4 days ago
- General
- Toronto Sun
Ring of Fire road to bring prosperity to First Nation, problems for caribou: Report
Published Jun 16, 2025 • 5 minute read A map of the Ring of Fire. Photo by Juno Corp. / Postmedia Network files A proposed road to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire in northern Ontario will bring economic prosperity to Webequie First Nation, though it may endanger caribou in the region, a newly released assessment finds. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Webequie First Nation is leading an environmental and impact assessment of the Webequie Supply Road that would connect to mining exploration activities in the Ring of Fire. That road will connect to two other proposed roads that would link the remote First Nation to the provincial highway system hundreds of kilometres south. 'This is a critical milestone for our people and our project,' Chief Cornelius Wabasse said in a statement. 'We are proud of this important work and the respectful approach taken to get it done. We are also grateful for all those who support Webequie's journey to self-determination, economic self-reliance and a better future for our people.' The work and subsequent draft report were done under the province's Environmental Assessment Act and the federal Impact Assessment Act. The report is thousands of pages long and has been shared with 22 other First Nations in northern Ontario for a 60-day review period, which will be followed by a final report filed to both levels of government. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The assessment examined how the natural and socioeconomic environments, Indigenous land use and traditional knowledge of the area would be affected by building the supply road. The 107-km, two-lane road will take four to six years to complete once construction begins and will need six bridges and 25 culverts to cross various bodies of water, the report said. The proposed road will run northwest-southeast for 51 km from the First Nation's airport to the next segment that will run 56 km east-west to McFaulds Lake and the Eagle's Nest mineral exploration site. The proposed mine is owned by Wyloo, an Australian mining company with its Canadian operations based in Toronto. The road is expected to last 75 years, after which major refurbishments will be needed. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The projected construction costs to the province are $663 million, though it's unclear yet who will own the road and who will be allowed to use it. The First Nation said those details will come in future negotiations with Ontario. 'Our vision for the Webequie Supply Road is an economic development road that creates real opportunities for our young people and future generations to drive to work and back,' Wabasse said. 'This project offers possibilities to provide skills training for our youth, create new jobs and business opportunities, and strengthen Webequie's economic future while remaining deeply connected to our land and traditions.' The report assumes construction would start in the winter of 2028 and be complete by the summer of 2032, though a start date has yet to be announced. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The report comes amid great debate about mining in northern Ontario. Premier Doug Ford's government recently passed Bill 5 into law with the aim to speed up development of mining and other projects. The new legislation has been met with outrage and resistance from First Nations. The government has given itself the power to suspend provincial and municipal laws through the creation of so-called 'special economic zones' for projects it chooses. The province intends to designate the Ring of Fire the first such zone, though it has said it will not do so until it consults with First Nations in the region. Details about how that would actually work are sparse. The Webequie Supply Road is expected to have a significantly positive effect on the First Nation's economy during construction and beyond, the assessment found. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Community members have emphasized the issues of unemployment and the lack of growth and learning opportunities,' the report said. 'With the anticipated road access connectivity from the project, potential economic growth is expected, leading to job opportunities for community members, allowing them to work closer to home.' The province has pledged some $70 million to help train Indigenous workers for jobs in development and mining. Wyloo also trains its workers who are conducting mineral exploration at the Eagle's Nest site. Other mining and forestry opportunities are likely to arise once the road is built, the report found. By and large, the threats to animals and plants from road construction are not considered significant, except for a few species at risk that include the boreal caribou. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. There are about 5,000 caribou left in the province, the vast majority of them in northern Ontario. Webequie First Nation and the proposed road are within that animal's range. The species is considered threatened in Ontario, which means it could become endangered if protective steps are not taken. Construction and operation of the road is 'expected to provide predators such as wolves increased access to the caribou, particularly where the road traverses natural movement corridors,' the report said. 'Overall, caribou injury or death due to changes to predator-prey dynamics from the project is considered a significant adverse effect based on current vulnerability of the population,' the report found. The construction of the road will also change the caribou's habitat, it said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Road construction will also affect wolverines, another threatened species, the report found. There are only two known mature female wolverines in the entire study area. One den is within 400 metres of the proposed road site and 'will likely lose function as denning habitat due to the indirect effects of clearing activities.' About half of the proposed road is in the James Bay Lowlands, which is dominated by peatlands, a weak material to build a road upon. Engineers have decided a 'floating road' is the best option, done by 'carefully loading materials over peat, allowing time for it to consolidate and increase in strength.' While building the road will have an effect on all parts of the environment, much of that will be negligible with proper mitigation efforts, the report found. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. For example, the report said fish and their habitat will not be significantly affected as crews build the six bridges and 25 culverts because construction barriers will be temporary. The First Nation is also concerned the road will bring more alcohol and illicit drugs to the community, and said it will try to limit access to outsiders during construction as much as possible. 'Webequie First Nation remains committed to an Indigenous-led approach that supports responsible development while upholding our environmental stewardship responsibilities,' its chief said. Read More Toronto Maple Leafs Columnists Toronto Maple Leafs Canada Toronto & GTA
Global News
4 days ago
- Business
- Global News
Ring of Fire road to bring prosperity to First Nation, problems for caribou: report
A proposed road to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire in northern Ontario will bring economic prosperity to Webequie First Nation, though it may endanger caribou in the region, a newly released assessment finds. Webequie First Nation is leading an environmental and impact assessment of the Webequie Supply Road that would connect to mining exploration activities in the Ring of Fire. That road will connect to two other proposed roads that would link the remote First Nation to the provincial highway system hundreds of kilometres south. 'This is a critical milestone for our people and our project,' Chief Cornelius Wabasse said in a statement. 'We are proud of this important work and the respectful approach taken to get it done. We are also grateful for all those who support Webequie's journey to self-determination, economic self-reliance and a better future for our people.' Story continues below advertisement The work and subsequent draft report were done under the province's Environmental Assessment Act and the federal Impact Assessment Act. The report is thousands of pages long and has been shared with 22 other First Nations in northern Ontario for a 60-day review period, which will be followed by a final report filed to both levels of government. The assessment examined how the natural and socioeconomic environments, Indigenous land use and traditional knowledge of the area would be affected by building the supply road. The 107-kilometre, two-lane road will take four to six years to complete once construction begins and will need six bridges and 25 culverts to cross various bodies of water, the report said. The proposed road will run northwest-southeast for 51 kilometres from the First Nation's airport to the next segment that will run 56 kilometres east-west to McFaulds Lake and the Eagle's Nest mineral exploration site. The proposed mine is owned by Wyloo, an Australian mining company with its Canadian operations based in Toronto. The road is expected to last 75 years, after which major refurbishments will be needed. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The projected construction costs to the province are $663 million, though it's unclear yet who will own the road and who will be allowed to use it. The First Nation said those details will come in future negotiations with Ontario. Story continues below advertisement 'Our vision for the Webequie Supply Road is an economic development road that creates real opportunities for our young people and future generations to drive to work and back,' Wabasse said. 'This project offers possibilities to provide skills training for our youth, create new jobs and business opportunities, and strengthen Webequie's economic future while remaining deeply connected to our land and traditions.' The report assumes construction would start in the winter of 2028 and be complete by the summer of 2032, though a start date has yet to be announced. The report comes amid great debate about mining in northern Ontario. Premier Doug Ford's government recently passed Bill 5 into law with the aim to speed up development of mining and other projects. The new legislation has been met with outrage and resistance from First Nations. The government has given itself the power to suspend provincial and municipal laws through the creation of so-called 'special economic zones' for projects it chooses. The province intends to designate the Ring of Fire the first such zone, though it has said it will not do so until it consults with First Nations in the region. Details about how that would actually work are sparse. The Webequie Supply Road is expected to have a significantly positive effect on the First Nation's economy during construction and beyond, the assessment found. Story continues below advertisement 'Community members have emphasized the issues of unemployment and the lack of growth and learning opportunities,' the report said. 'With the anticipated road access connectivity from the project, potential economic growth is expected, leading to job opportunities for community members, allowing them to work closer to home.' The province has pledged some $70 million to help train Indigenous workers for jobs in development and mining. Wyloo also trains its workers who are conducting mineral exploration at the Eagle's Nest site. Other mining and forestry opportunities are likely to arise once the road is built, the report found. By and large, the threats to animals and plants from road construction are not considered significant, except for a few species at risk that include the boreal caribou. There are about 5,000 caribou left in the province, the vast majority of them in northern Ontario. Webequie First Nation and the proposed road are within that animal's range. The species is considered threatened in Ontario, which means it could become endangered if protective steps are not taken. Construction and operation of the road is 'expected to provide predators such as wolves increased access to the caribou, particularly where the road traverses natural movement corridors,' the report said. Story continues below advertisement 'Overall, caribou injury or death due to changes to predator-prey dynamics from the project is considered a significant adverse effect based on current vulnerability of the population,' the report found. The construction of the road will also change the caribou's habitat, it said. Road construction will also affect another threatened species, wolverines, the report found. There are only two known mature female wolverines in the entire study area. One den is within 400 metres of the proposed road site and 'will likely lose function as denning habitat due to the indirect effects of clearing activities.' About half of the proposed road is in the James Bay Lowlands, which is dominated by peatlands, a weak material to build a road upon. Engineers have decided a 'floating road' is the best option, done by 'carefully loading materials over peat, allowing time for it to consolidate and increase in strength.' While building the road will have an effect on all parts of the environment, much of that will be negligible with proper mitigation efforts, the report found. For example, the report said fish and their habitat will not be significantly affected as crews build the six bridges and 25 culverts because construction barriers will be temporary. The First Nation is also concerned the road will bring more alcohol and illicit drugs to the community, and said it will try to limit access to outsiders during construction as much as possible. Story continues below advertisement 'Webequie First Nation remains committed to an Indigenous-led approach that supports responsible development while upholding our environmental stewardship responsibilities,' its chief said.
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ring of Fire road to bring prosperity to First Nation, problems for caribou: report
TORONTO – A proposed road to the mineral-rich Ring of Fire in northern Ontario will bring economic prosperity to Webequie First Nation, though it may endanger caribou in the region, a newly released assessment finds. Webequie First Nation is leading an environmental and impact assessment of the Webequie Supply Road that would connect to mining exploration activities in the Ring of Fire. That road will connect to two other proposed roads that would link the remote First Nation to the provincial highway system hundreds of kilometres south. 'This is a critical milestone for our people and our project,' Chief Cornelius Wabasse said in a statement. 'We are proud of this important work and the respectful approach taken to get it done. We are also grateful for all those who support Webequie's journey to self-determination, economic self-reliance and a better future for our people.' The work and subsequent draft report were done under the province's Environmental Assessment Act and the federal Impact Assessment Act. The report is thousands of pages long and has been shared with 22 other First Nations in northern Ontario for a 60-day review period, which will be followed by a final report filed to both levels of government. The assessment examined how the natural and socioeconomic environments, Indigenous land use and traditional knowledge of the area would be affected by building the supply road. The 107-kilometre, two-lane road will take four to six years to complete once construction begins and will need six bridges and 25 culverts to cross various bodies of water, the report said. The proposed road will run northwest-southeast for 51 kilometres from the First Nation's airport to the next segment that will run 56 kilometres east-west to McFaulds Lake and the Eagle's Nest mineral exploration site. The proposed mine is owned by Wyloo, an Australian mining company with its Canadian operations based in Toronto. The road is expected to last 75 years, after which major refurbishments will be needed. The projected construction costs to the province are $663 million, though it's unclear yet who will own the road and who will be allowed to use it. The First Nation said those details will come in future negotiations with Ontario. 'Our vision for the Webequie Supply Road is an economic development road that creates real opportunities for our young people and future generations to drive to work and back,' Wabasse said. 'This project offers possibilities to provide skills training for our youth, create new jobs and business opportunities, and strengthen Webequie's economic future while remaining deeply connected to our land and traditions.' The report assumes construction would start in the winter of 2028 and be complete by the summer of 2032, though a start date has yet to be announced. The report comes amid great debate about mining in northern Ontario. Premier Doug Ford's government recently passed Bill 5 into law with the aim to speed up development of mining and other projects. The new legislation has been met with outrage and resistance from First Nations. The government has given itself the power to suspend provincial and municipal laws through the creation of so-called 'special economic zones' for projects it chooses. The province intends to designate the Ring of Fire the first such zone, though it has said it will not do so until it consults with First Nations in the region. Details about how that would actually work are sparse. The Webequie Supply Road is expected to have a significantly positive effect on the First Nation's economy during construction and beyond, the assessment found. 'Community members have emphasized the issues of unemployment and the lack of growth and learning opportunities,' the report said. 'With the anticipated road access connectivity from the project, potential economic growth is expected, leading to job opportunities for community members, allowing them to work closer to home.' The province has pledged some $70 million to help train Indigenous workers for jobs in development and mining. Wyloo also trains its workers who are conducting mineral exploration at the Eagle's Nest site. Other mining and forestry opportunities are likely to arise once the road is built, the report found. By and large, the threats to animals and plants from road construction are not considered significant, except for a few species at risk that include the boreal caribou. There are about 5,000 caribou left in the province, the vast majority of them in northern Ontario. Webequie First Nation and the proposed road are within that animal's range. The species is considered threatened in Ontario, which means it could become endangered if protective steps are not taken. Construction and operation of the road is 'expected to provide predators such as wolves increased access to the caribou, particularly where the road traverses natural movement corridors,' the report said. 'Overall, caribou injury or death due to changes to predator-prey dynamics from the project is considered a significant adverse effect based on current vulnerability of the population,' the report found. The construction of the road will also change the caribou's habitat, it said. Road construction will also affect another threatened species, wolverines, the report found. There are only two known mature female wolverines in the entire study area. One den is within 400 metres of the proposed road site and 'will likely lose function as denning habitat due to the indirect effects of clearing activities.' About half of the proposed road is in the James Bay Lowlands, which is dominated by peatlands, a weak material to build a road upon. Engineers have decided a 'floating road' is the best option, done by 'carefully loading materials over peat, allowing time for it to consolidate and increase in strength.' Wednesdays Columnist Jen Zoratti looks at what's next in arts, life and pop culture. While building the road will have an effect on all parts of the environment, much of that will be negligible with proper mitigation efforts, the report found. For example, the report said fish and their habitat will not be significantly affected as crews build the six bridges and 25 culverts because construction barriers will be temporary. The First Nation is also concerned the road will bring more alcohol and illicit drugs to the community, and said it will try to limit access to outsiders during construction as much as possible. 'Webequie First Nation remains committed to an Indigenous-led approach that supports responsible development while upholding our environmental stewardship responsibilities,' its chief said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 16, 2025.
