Ontario introduces legislation to fast-track major projects - Ontario Construction News

Key Points of Ontario's "Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025"

This legislation seeks to streamline the approval process for significant infrastructure, mining, and resource development projects in Ontario, particularly within the Ring of Fire region.

Goals

• Reduce red tape and accelerate project approvals.
• Enhance Ontario's competitiveness as a G7 investment destination.
• Create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

Proposed Measures

• One Project, One Process: Consolidating project approvals across various government levels to reduce review times by up to 50%.
• Special Economic Zones: Accelerated permitting and priority services for projects meeting high safety and environmental standards.
• Faster Species-Related Approvals: A "registration-first" system to expedite project approvals while upholding environmental regulations.
• New Species Conservation Program: Increased funding for conservation and biodiversity initiatives.
• Fee Elimination: Removal of certain fees to reduce business costs.
• Strengthening Critical Mineral Protections: New powers to restrict or revoke mining claims to secure Canada's strategic mineral supply.
• Energy Grid Security: Expediting energy infrastructure permitting while restricting access for foreign state-owned companies.

Government Rationale

The government argues that reducing project approval times from up to 15 years is essential to enhance Ontario's economic competitiveness, especially in response to global trade tensions.

Stakeholder Support

The Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce supports these initiatives to stimulate economic activity in the Sudbury region and Northern Ontario.