Northwestern Ontario lithium project sparks mixed reactions over new provincial process
CBC
Plans are underway for a full service lithium mining and processing operation in northwestern Ontario, the province's minister of energy and mines announced Wednesday.
Frontier Lithium’s PAK Lithium Project is the first development to be accelerated through the 'One Project, One Process' (1P1P) framework, which the government describes as “a co-ordinated, whole-of-government approach to streamline permitting approvals, end bureaucratic delays and attract global investment.”
The province says it's the largest lithium project in Ontario and includes a mine and mill, as well as a downstream conversion facility for manufacturing battery-quality lithium chemicals.
However, the 1P1P policy has received criticism from several First Nation leaders, who say it does not allow for meaningful engagement with communities affected by fast-tracked developments.
“This government and its partner are not engaged with us. They push us, overload us with information and drag us through their process,” said Brandon Rae, chief of North Spirit Lake First Nation, at a news conference Wednesday at Queen's Park.
“There’s no room to pause or ask for more time without being left out completely. If this is what Ontario calls partnership, it’s not one built on respect or fairness.”
North Spirit Lake, a fly-in First Nation about 500 kilometres northwest of Thunder Bay, would be one of the closest communities to the facility.
Indigenous involvement in the project's planning and development was highlighted at Wednesday's announcement, with the province saying that “the Crown’s duty to consult obligation remains fully upheld under 1P1P.”
Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce says the framework aims to cut red tape.
“With President Trump taking direct aim at our economy, our government is protecting our workers and communities by building mines faster,” Lecce said in Wednesday's news release from the government.
The mine, mill and conversion facility would be located 175 kilometres north of Red Lake. The project is also closely aligned with a proposed lithium refinery in Thunder Bay.
The Ontario-focused production is part of the Ford government's ongoing plan to increase self-reliance in the province, according to Lecce, moving away from industry giants such as Australia and China.
With increasing demand worldwide, lithium is a key component in electric and hybrid vehicle batteries, medical imaging, and energy storage systems.
Despite pushback, the announced project and planning framework has drawn support from organizations such as the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA).
Acute Care Alberta has extended its contract for another year with a private surgical facility at the centre of probes into health procurement and contracting.
As food bank use continues to climb across the province, front-line workers in Thunder Bay, Ont., are working to improve both food security and education.
More ads could soon be coming to Toronto’s subway system.
The driver wanted in connection with a fatal hit and run on Highway 401 earlier this week has been identified, police say.
There are mixed feelings about the proposed Grays Bay road and port project, among people who live in nearby communities.
WARNING: This story details allegations of child abuse and includes graphic content.
Provincial police in Lambton County have charged a 23-year-old man with second degree murder following a death investigation that began this past Saturday.
The Newfoundland and Labrador government is forming a working group to tackle what it calls systemic issues in the justice system, but answers or solutions could still be months away.
A woman has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death in a 2024 fatal hit and run in Truro, N.S., where the victim was dragged down the street, a case that went unsolved for more than six months.
A stream of people showing up to a brightly lit front porch, each holding up a bottle of wine, spirits, or beer.
Sona Lakhoyan Olivier has been excluded from Quebec’s Liberal caucus for the duration of an investigation led by the National Assembly’s ethics commissioner, the party announced Thursday.
The head of the William Whyte Neighbourhood Association hopes a city plan to crack down on vacant properties leads to a transformation in his community.
Saskatchewan's justice minister is rejecting the latest legislative proposal from the NDP Opposition, one that the NDP says is a necessary check on government power.