The McGuinty government committed to protecting 225,000 square kilometres – or approximately half – of the northern boreal region. That commitment remains, and we are moving forward with a community-based land use planning system for this region.

The Ring of Fire belt currently being explored for mineral development is a little over 5,000 square kilometres. Any mining development that might occur in the area would be a fraction of that size.

We will continue to work closely with the First Nations communities and companies operating in the Ring of Fire area to ensure that as exploration is done and economic activity increases, environmental and local economic development concerns are met.