Ontario Unleashing Economic Potential of Critical Mineral and Resource Development

TORONTO — Today, as the next step in the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is introducing the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025. If passed, this comprehensive legislation would cut the red tape and duplicative processes that have held back major infrastructure, mining and resource development projects, including in the Ring of Fire. By streamlining approval processes while maintaining robust environmental standards, Ontario will unleash the economic potential of its critical minerals to make the province’s economy the most competitive place in the G7 to invest, create jobs and do business.

“The maze of bureaucracy, red tape and duplicative processes holding back our economy means that a single mining project can take 15 years to be approved,” said Premier Doug Ford. “In the face of current Ontario-U.S. trade tensions, it can no longer be business as usual. We are cutting red tape to unlock our critical minerals and unleash our economy to create new jobs and opportunities in the north and across the province.”

The current permitting and authorization processes for mining and major infrastructure projects require proponents to navigate a complex process of overlapping and duplicative approvals from multiple ministries and levels of government. The Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025 would streamline this process to minimize delays, lower costs and set service standards for government review times, in order to simplify and speed up the approvals process. The province will maintain its robust environmental standards throughout, while also fulfilling its constitutional obligations to Indigenous communities, including the duty to consult.

“When it comes to protecting our province and country’s economic sovereignty from President Trump’s attacks, it cannot be business as usual,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “We are unveiling a bold plan that ensures Canada is self-reliant, economically independent, and seizing every opportunity to grow our economy and stand on our own two feet. That is why we are taking decisive action to protect Canada’s natural resources from foreign adversaries, and our intent is to reduce government review time by 50 per cent to get shovels in the ground. Accelerating responsible resource development — from clean energy to critical minerals projects — creates a generational opportunity that will transform our country into a true energy superpower.”

Key measures in this legislation include:

• Create authority to designate special economic zones to help advance projects of provincial importance and security where proponents meet rigorous operating, safety and environmental standards. Projects that meet these standards will benefit from streamlined requirements, accelerated permitting and priority access to services such as the new One Project, One Process model.

• Accelerating mining development in every part of the province through a new One Project, One Process permitting model that streamlines approval processes across government to one process, with the intent of reducing government review time by 50 per cent. This will be accomplished by introducing binding service standards for government review time for any designated project to deliver predictability and accountability. The government would continue to fulfill its duty to consult Indigenous communities throughout this process.

• Speeding up housing, transit, infrastructure and other projects impacting certain species by adopting a “registration-first” approach to project approvals. Instead of waiting up to two years for species permits, proponents will be able to proceed as soon as they register and meet the requirements. This practical approach maintains strong environmental protections by establishing clear, enforceable rules for businesses to follow, with tough fines for non-compliance.

• Establishing a new Species Conservation Program to support the valuable work of species experts and community-based conservation initiatives across the province. Through this program, the government will make up to $20 million available for species conservation efforts annually — more than four times the current amount.

• Saving businesses money by eliminating registration fees for the Environmental Activity and Sector Registry. The change is expected to save regulated businesses about $2.6 million annually.

• Protecting critical mineral resources from bad actors by proposing authorities to restrict the registration or transfer of mining claims, deny a lease, cancel a mining claim registration or terminate a lease, on the basis of protecting the strategic national mineral supply chain.

• Building a secure energy grid by restricting access of foreign state-owned or based companies while streamlining the permitting process to get projects built faster.

  
  

If passed, the province will work to establish clear criteria against which special economic zones will be evaluated, with the goal of designating the first zone by September 2025, while upholding duty to consult obligations. It is anticipated that priority will be given to critical mineral development opportunities, recognizing its vital role in supplying key minerals like nickel, copper and chromite that are essential to Ontario’s economic growth and security.

The measures contained in this legislation will make Ontario’s economy more self-reliant and able to withstand external threats and challenges by unlocking the economic opportunity associated with our abundant supply of critical minerals.

Quick Facts

• Ontario is one of the most mineral rich areas in the entire world. This includes minerals such as nickel, titanium, cobalt and lithium which cell phones, computers, medical devices, energy and electric vehicles rely on.

• Ontario’s abundant supply of critical minerals includes the vast reserves found in the Ring of Fire, an area almost 5,000 square kilometres in size located more than 500 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay.

• Ontario is a world class mining destination and among the top 10 jurisdictions in the world for mineral exploration.

• As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the province introduced the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, 2025 on April 16, which would remove barriers to goods, services and workers between provinces and territories.

• Ontario will continue to build on key partnerships with First Nations, including Marten Falls First Nation, Webequie First Nation and Aroland First Nation, to realize the potential of the Ring of Fire.

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Quotes

"Our government is taking bold, decisive action to protect Ontario’s economy by removing unnecessary barriers that increase cost and impede opportunities for economic growth and job creation. By fostering a more efficient, business-friendly landscape, we are ensuring projects of strategic and critical importance to our economy can rise to address the unique and pressing needs of our time, while continuing to set the stage for Ontario’s global competitiveness for years to come."

- Vic Fedeli

Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

"Ontario’s current system for issuing permits is too expensive, slow and complicated, causing unnecessary delays for housing, transit and critical infrastructure. Our global competitors are rolling out the red carpet to attract new jobs and investments. The days of making proponents wait years for approvals and permits are over. We can and will build the Ontario of tomorrow in a way that protects the environment and protects jobs."

- Todd McCarthy

Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

"As part of our commitment to unlocking Ontario’s true economic and critical mineral potential, we are ensuring First Nations communities are a central feature as full partners in achieving prosperity. Whether it’s building legacy infrastructure or investing in energy transmission opportunities, our progress is driven by real partnerships with First Nations and focuses on putting communities in a stronger position, now and for the future."

- Greg Rickford

Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships

"Our government is cutting red tape and making it easier for businesses to grow and succeed in Ontario. Through launching a new user-friendly one-window permitting program, we’re helping job creators spend less time navigating government and more time doing what they do best — driving economic growth, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening communities across the province. We’re also proud to support Ontario-and-Canadian-made goods and services, ensuring our procurement strategy reflects the strength and innovation of our local industries."

- Stephen Crawford

Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement

"We are at a crucial moment in time where we must streamline approvals to accelerate the development of critical minerals and resource projects across the province. As our government continues to move forward with its bold plan to grow Ontario’s economy, we are focused on advancing provincial priorities while also safeguarding archaeological resources and heritage."

- Graham McGregor

Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism

"We commend the Ontario Government for introducing the One Project, One Process legislation to streamline mining approvals. The current geopolitical context requires Ontario to secure our supply chains with sustainably sourced minerals and metals. This is one step in the path to declaring mining a strategic priority where Ontario can internally address multi-ministry permitting issues, and position itself as a leader in this vital industry. Ensuring efficient access to resources that are the building blocks of modern life and innovation, while also strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities is key to the success of the mining sector in Ontario. Now is the time for decisive action to secure our economic future and enhance our competitiveness in the global market."

- Priya Tandon

President, Ontario Mining Association (OMA)

"The Ontario Government’s introduction of the Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act is a crucial step toward removing the barriers that have long hindered development in our province. By streamlining permitting and approval processes, this legislation directly addresses the red tape that has slowed down critical projects to extract, process and create higher value goods with our minerals. This legislation aligns with CME’s recommendation to cut $1 billion in regulatory costs for Ontario manufacturers and help Ontario to respond more swiftly to global challenges, attract investment and create jobs."

- Vincent Caron

Vice President, Ontario Government Relations and Member Advocacy, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)

"The Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce supports the Government of Ontario’s efforts to reduce red tape and streamline approvals, including critical mineral and resource development projects. By removing barriers to incentivize investment and prioritizing regions like the Ring of Fire, we will unlock the full economic potential of the Sudbury region and northern Ontario, to the benefit of our entire province."

- Trevor Lalonde

Chair, Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (Controller, Fisher Wavy Inc.)

"Frontier Lithium commends government’s recognition of the importance of critical minerals in today's geo-political landscape and supports the actions they are taking to reduce permitting redundancies and timelines. Equally important is government’s commitment to uphold the duty to consult and foster strong, respectful partnerships with Indigenous peoples as we move forward. Together, we can achieve a balanced approach that supports both economic growth and opportunity with environmental and social responsibility."

- Trevor Walker

President and CEO, Frontier Lithium

"Mining doesn’t just impact Ontario’s north. The critical minerals contained in the Ring of Fire are essential ingredients for a host of sectors and businesses located in the Toronto region, from auto and aerospace manufacturing, to pharmaceuticals and advanced manufacturing. By streamlining the approval process for new projects, the Ontario government has taken bold action to capitalize on our strength in critical minerals—an essential step toward ensuring economic and energy security and driving innovation and business growth across the province."

- Giles Gherson

President and CEO, Toronto Region Board of Trade

"Construction permitting for our critical metal project near Marathon, Ontario is nearly complete and we hope to be the next critical mineral mine built in Ontario. With today’s announcement from Minister Lecce, the Government of Ontario is demonstrating its strong commitment to support new mine development in the province. Continued efforts to cut red tape and expedite permitting sends the right signals to investors and other stakeholders that the Province of Ontario is the best jurisdiction in North America to build and operate new mines."

- Jamie Levy

President and CEO, Generation Mining

"The mining sector is global, and efficient and transparent regulatory processes are essential to attracting investment. Agnico Eagle welcomes the Ontario government’s efforts to streamline permitting with a One Project, One Process permitting model and accelerate development with new service standards, while also safeguarding the public interest. We look forward to working with the government as we continue to invest in sustainable mineral development in Ontario."

- Mohammed Ali

Vice President, Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs, Agnico Eagle Mines

"The moment is now, and we applaud the Ontario government for recognizing the urgency to unlock economic potential and strengthen security interests — starting in our own backyard. For too long, regulatory inefficiencies have stalled progress. The One Project, One Process permitting model marks a critical step forward, eliminating duplicative measures and paving the way for timely, inclusive development that benefits First Nations and all Ontarians. Together — with government, Indigenous communities and industry — we are creating a sustainable and responsible path forward, one grounded in meaningful dialogue and partnerships with First Nations at its core and guided by a deep respect for First Nations rights holders."

- Kristan Straub

CEO Canada, Wyloo

"The government of Ontario’s legislation is welcomed news to Ontario's 1,400 mining supply and services companies. The sophisticated cluster of mining suppliers in Ontario is ready and able to provide literally everything required to build and maintain mines. It’s clear that Ontario needs a more efficient process for new mine approvals — one that supports responsible development while safeguarding our environment and communities. Protecting this sector isn’t just about safeguarding businesses — it’s about securing the future of communities, families and a globally competitive industry right here in Ontario."

- Marla Tremblay

Executive Director, MineConnect

"The Ontario Government’s recent initiative is a welcome step forward for the province’s mining and critical minerals sector — and offers a strong blueprint for the rest of Canada. Businesses have called for urgent reform of Canada’s permitting and regulatory systems for years. It’s encouraging to see a government move to action to ensure Canada doesn’t become a place where major projects stall or fail to advance. Reducing unnecessary red tape is essential to unlocking Canada’s full potential as a global leader in critical minerals. These resources are not only foundational to Canada’s economic prosperity — they are increasingly recognized as vital to national and energy security, as well as to the security of our global trade partners."

- Candace Laing

President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

"The Ontario Chamber of Commerce welcomes this bold step to speed up mining development, which can strengthen Ontario’s economic competitiveness and help enable a clean-energy future. We welcome the ambition of the Government of Ontario’s One Project, One Process model, subject to continued rigorous environmental standards and the duty to consult Indigenous partners. Through our Mining and Energy Policy Councils, we will keep working with federal, provincial and Indigenous partners to advance the sector’s workforce needs, expedite opportunity in the North and support inclusive, sustainable prosperity."

- Daniel Tisch

President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce

"As a modern mining company, IAMGOLD is supportive of the Ontario government's measures which we believe will foster and support a competitive and sustainable resource sector, which in turn, builds a stronger Ontario and Canada for today and tomorrow. The proposed regulatory efficiencies are welcome for this industry and will help advance new and existing projects, while upholding responsible mining principles, including environmental stewardship, safety and benefits to Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities."

- Renaud Adams

President and CEO, IAMGOLD

"Ontario has an abundance of resources that Canada and our allies need, but many of those resources are currently stuck in the ground. There is an urgent need for government, the private sector and Indigenous communities to work together and speed up the approval and permitting process to unleash Ontario’s full potential. This will be supported by the Government of Ontario's new legislation."

- Goldy Hyder

President and CEO of the Business Council of Canada

"Given the challenging economic environment, measures such as what the Ontario government is introducing today, designed to reduce regulatory burden for industries and allow industrial and energy projects to proceed more efficiently, are welcomed."

- Brad Duguid

President, Association of Major Power Consumers Ontario (AMPCO)

Additional Resources

• Speech from the Throne — Protect Ontario