Ontario's Progressive Conservative government is touting support for the north as White River's new gold mine has officially opened.
Harte Gold's Sugar Zone Mine opening was attended by Algoma-Manitoulin NDP MPP Michael Mantha, as well as key PC figures: Premier Doug Ford and Energy, Northern Development and Mines Minister Greg Rickford.
Speaking with JJAM FM News, Energy, Northern Development and Mines - and Indigenous Affairs - Minister Greg Rickford called it "sweet" to attend the mine's opening.
Aside from the Sugar Zone opening, Rickford highlighted Tuesday's announcement of pension relief for the former Essar Steel Algoma, or Algoma as it is now known.
Minister Rickford emphasizes the PC government isn't focusing solely on the Sault, noting plans for Premier Doug Ford to make an announcement for Thunder Bay's Resolute Forest Products mill later today.
Asked about plans to address the reliability of highways in the North, Rickford assured the PC government wants to "put the safety of Northerners first" and "make sure we have a corridor to transport people safely and productively", further noting he is working on a plan to address concerns stemming from the upcoming end of Greyhound service in the region, developing "a bus transportation network that works for all of Northern Ontario".
Rickford says he expects to announce developments on that "in the forthcoming months".
The entire interview can be found below.