The Ring of Fire has its own minister in Ford's new cabinet

TORONTO — Greg Rickford is now the provincial minister responsible for Ring of Fire economic and community partnerships.

The region's critical mineral deposits were highlighted by premier Doug Ford as he unveiled his cabinet on Wednesday afternoon, as part of his government's strategy to protect Ontario in the face of American tariffs.

“As Ontario faces one of the greatest challenges in our history, workers and families are counting on us to stand up for their jobs and wellbeing,” said Ford, in a news release.

“Our government will double down on our plan to build, train and reskill workers for better jobs and bigger pay cheques, tear down internal trade barriers, retool companies for new customers in new markets, attract more investments and cut through red tape to develop our vast natural resources, including critical minerals in the Ring of Fire.”

During a February campaign stop in Thunder Bay, the premier focused heavily on northern Ontario’s mineral deposits, including the Ring of Fire.

He said he “will significantly speed up approvals and permitting pre-approved project proponents that meet high operating safety and environmental standards,” adding that they “will be granted automatic approvals to proceed with early works once they met their duty to consult obligations.”

Rickford has also retained his role as minister of Indigenous affairs and First Nation economic reconciliation.

Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland remains associate minister of forestry and forest products within the Ministry of Natural Resources.