TORONTO — Ontario and Webequie First Nation have signed a landmark agreement aimed at unlocking one of the country’s most significant mineral opportunities while advancing economic reconciliation and infrastructure development in Northern Ontario.
Premier Doug Ford and Chief Cornelius Wabasse of Webequie First Nation formalized the Community Partnership Agreement on Tuesday, joined by Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Development and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. The deal paves the way for all-season road construction into the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region while delivering nearly $40 million in community benefits to Webequie.
“This historic agreement is a massive milestone in our plan to protect Ontario, achieve economic reconciliation with First Nations and bring prosperity to Northern Ontario and across the province by unlocking the Ring of Fire,” said Premier Doug Ford. “I want to thank Chief Wabasse and Webequie First Nation for their partnership in getting this done, so we can build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy that can stand up to tariffs and anything else that comes our way. Now, we need the federal government to work with us to remove duplication so we can get shovels in the ground building these roads as soon as the ground thaws this coming spring.”
Under the agreement, Ontario will provide up to $39.5 million to support Webequie First Nation’s infrastructure priorities. The funding includes investments in mental health resources, a new multipurpose indoor recreation facility, airport upgrades, and preparatory work for the proposed Webequie Supply Road—a vital route connecting the community and surrounding areas to the Ring of Fire.
Pathway to Economic Opportunity
For Webequie First Nation, located about 540 kilometres north of Thunder Bay on Eastwood Island, the road represents a bridge to long-term self-sufficiency and greater participation in regional development. The community plans to submit its final Environmental Assessment for the road in early 2026, with construction expected to begin in June that year—pending federal approval and the resolution of overlapping environmental processes.
“The Webequie Supply Road is more than a road — it’s a pathway to opportunity, access and growth on our terms,” said Chief Cornelius Wabasse. “This Agreement with Ontario is a meaningful step in our ongoing work to lead development that supports our community’s well-being, strengthens our infrastructure, upholds Webequie First Nation’s way of life and creates lasting economic opportunities for our people.”
The agreement builds on more than a decade of collaboration between Ontario and Webequie, reflecting a growing model of shared decision-making in major resource development projects. Both parties have committed to jointly designing a partnership framework that will guide planning, construction, and maintenance of the proposed road while aligning with environmental and cultural priorities.
Ring of Fire: A Critical Minerals Hub
The Ring of Fire, located about 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, spans roughly 8,000 square kilometres and is considered one of Canada’s most promising deposits of critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, and chromite—key components for electric vehicle batteries and clean energy technologies.
Ontario views the development as central to its Critical Minerals Strategy, a plan to build an end-to-end domestic supply chain that mines, processes, and refines materials within the province. The Ford government has pledged nearly $3.1 billion in combined loans, grants, and scholarships to promote Indigenous ownership and equity participation in the sector.
“This historic agreement is reflective of our nation-to-nation partnership, and the leadership of Chief Wabasse and Webequie First Nation,” said Minister Greg Rickford. “We are writing the next important chapter of First Nations economic reconciliation by investing in infrastructure, essential services and road access to legacy projects like the Ring of Fire. In partnership, we are positioning Ontario as the global leader in sustainable mineral development and an economic powerhouse.”
Building for the North’s Future
Beyond its economic implications, the agreement seeks to address longstanding social and infrastructure gaps in remote northern communities. The new funding will modernize the community’s airport, which is expected to serve as a regional transportation hub, and explore potential additional all-season road links connecting Webequie to the broader provincial network.
The deal follows Ontario’s Shared Prosperity Agreement with Aroland First Nation, signed in January 2025, and complements recent investments in northern infrastructure such as the $61.8 million rehabilitation of Geraldton’s Main Street—a key access route to the Ring of Fire corridor.
With this latest partnership, Ontario signals its intent to accelerate resource development while advancing reconciliation through tangible investments in community-driven projects.
