Leaders of several First Nations from the Ring of Fire region in northern Ontario demanded a meeting with Doug Ford at the legislature on Tuesday, saying they needed to discuss concerns over possible mining in their territories – but the premier refused their request.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford offered to go in Ford's stead, but that offer was rebuffed by the First Nations.
"We refuse to meet with Rickford, we want to meet with Doug Ford directly," Neskantaga First Nation Chief Chris Moonias said on the front lawn of Queen's Park.