Ontario fast-tracks gold mine despite Grassy Narrows’ concerns — and a pending lawsuit – The Narwhal

March 12, 2026

Grassy Narrows First Nation has already challenged a water permit for the Great Bear mine and is taking the province to court over its Mining Act, as the Doug Ford government ushers a third project forward

At a mining conference in Toronto last week, with more than 20,000 people in attendance, demonstrators demanded answers from Ontario Premier Doug Ford as to when Grassy Narrows First Nation (Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek) would be compensated for the mercury contamination that has poisoned the community as a result of past industry presence.

Ford was there, flanked by ministers, to announce his government’s plan to speed up road-building to the Ring of Fire mining district on Treaty 9 territory, known by some First Nations as Bakitanaamowin Aki, which means “the Breathing Lands.”

Read More: https://thenarwhal.ca/grassy-narrows-ontario-mine-permit/