Two prominent northwestern Ontario figures have been appointed to Noront Resources’ board of directors.
Jean Paul (JP) Gladu, president-CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, and Greg Rickford, former Kenora MP and federal natural resources minister, will be joining Bio Liu of Baosteel Resources in guiding the Ring of Fire nickel and chromite developer, said an April 10 company news release.
“I appreciate Noront’s steadfast commitment to working with First Nations communities in Northern Ontario,” said Gladu, an Anishinaabe from Thunder Bay and a member of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, located on Lake Nipigon.
He brings to the table more than two decades of experience in the natural resources sector working with Aboriginal communities, environmental groups, industry and government.
“My 20 years of experience across various sectors in the natural resources industry, along with the passion I have for my community, culture and traditions, allow me to offer a unique perspective on collaborative development in the mining sector. I look forward to helping Noront structure economic activity and develop the business capacity of the communities located in the Ring of Fire so they can benefit equally from development in the region.”
Rickford is a lawyer and an advisor specializing in natural resources, Indigenous and health matters, and has lived and worked in First Nation communities in northwestern Ontario and Canada.
“I am honoured to join the Noront team as they seek to create economic opportunities for northern Ontario through responsible resource development. Their exemplary dedication to full, meaningful partnerships with First Nation and municipal communities in developing the mining assets in the Ring of Fire is the benchmark for how resource companies should conduct themselves. I look forward applying my experience living and working in northwestern Ontario to help create value for Noront and communities across Northern Ontario.”
Liu has held several senior positions since he joined Baosteel Resources in 2001, a world leader in steel and stainless steel products and one of Noront’s major shareholders.
“This represents a structural refresh of the Noront board of directors, to more closely align board members’ skills and experience with our current strategic thrusts,” said Noront chair Paul Parisotto in a statement.
“Noront is focused on infrastructure and project advancement in cooperation with governments and First Nations and our new board members have demonstrated proficiency in these areas.”
