When it became clear that the current provincial government was unable to address its concerns about the cumulative effects of the overall development, osgoode Wrote to the federal minister asking him to exercise new discretion to conduct a regional assessment under the controversial Impact Assessment Act. The regional assessment is also an opportunity to return to the path advocated by Matawa and the downstream First Nations in 2011, which allows Aboriginal authorities to exercise control over decisions that will most influence them. It offers a path to participation, consent and genuine reconciliation. According to the Ontario government, the Ring of Fire Exploration has so far spent more than $278 million, and there are currently approximately 13,296 active mine claim units owned by 18 companies and individuals that cover approximately 2,127 square kilometres in the Ring of Fire. However, the viability of the regional framework was also questionable under the former Liberal government, with then-Premier Kathleen Wynne saying in a 2017 letter to Matawa chiefs that they should not «waste» a 2014 financial commitment and that she would work individually with each chief who would work with her. On November 12, 2012, Tony Clement was appointed Federal Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Bernard Valcourt of the Federal Steering Committee (FCS), which represents 15 federal departments, federal Minister of Fire Ring and co-chair. Mr. Clement invited Ontario Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle[9] to «collaborate on projects, community visits, information exchanges and joint meetings.» [30] Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) led other federal and FedNor departments in developing an action plan to support community participation in the Ring of Fire[31] to help «First Nations benefit from proposed mining projects.» [Citation required] Under then-Premier Kathleen Wynne, Ontario negotiated a regional framework agreement with the nine Matawa First Nations in 2014 that would have spent more than US$20 million. Funding had expired at the end of 2018 and by August 2019 the current government had terminated the regional framework agreement to reach individual agreements with each of the nine First Nations in La Matawa. «It is not a final agreement to build a road,» he added, but «rather a process for conducting an environmental study and assessment.» A Regional Strategic Environmental Assessment (ARS) is needed to adequately protect the environmental and cultural values of this region prior to the construction of new mines or infrastructure corridors.

The evaluation is due: by the end of August 2019, Rickford announced to Rickford that the Province of Ontario is resolving the regional framework agreement and that it will come into effect in 90 days. Rickford said that, «Frankly, up to this point, it was a bit complicated and time consuming, it didn`t necessarily meet the deadlines that the market should expect a project to arrive on board.» [27] Under Kathleen Wynne`s Liberal government, former Ontario Premier Bob Rae, was appointed Chief Negotiator to represent the nine separate national governments – Marten Falls First Nation, Webequie First Nation, Neskantaga First Nation, Nibinamik First Nation, Aroland First Nation, Long Lake 58 First Nation, Ginoogaming First Nation, Eabametoong First Nation, Mishkeegogamang First Nation and Constance Lake First Nation for First Nations – as part of discussions with the Government of The First Nation Nations to countries the Ring of Fire Development. [53] Norontes Eagle`s Nest Copper and Nickel Mine and Cliffs Natural Resources` Black Thor Chrome Mine would generate wealth and royalties for Ontario, but the mines are located in a remote area. They will require «significant development to make them viable.» «[T]he crossing will have a profound impact on local communities, five of which are not yet accessible by road.» [53] A «regional framework agreement between the Matawa Tribal Council» was concluded until 2014.