Ontario, Canada Sign Agreement to Streamline Project Approvals and Unlock Ring of Fire

Ontario, Canada Sign Agreement to Streamline Approvals and Unlock Ring of Fire

TORONTO — Ontario and the federal government have signed a new cooperation agreement aimed at significantly streamlining environmental approvals for major infrastructure and resource projects, including development in the Ring of Fire.

The agreement introduces a “one project, one process, one decision” model that eliminates overlapping federal and provincial assessments. Projects that previously required both a federal impact assessment and a provincial environmental assessment will now proceed solely through Ontario’s environmental assessment process.

The change is intended to reduce duplication, shorten review timelines and provide greater certainty for project proponents, while maintaining environmental protections and Indigenous consultation obligations.

“With this historic agreement, our two governments are working together to protect Ontario and Canada by removing the unnecessary red tape and regulatory duplication that has stood in the way of nation-building projects for too long,” said Premier Doug Ford. “I want to thank Prime Minister Carney for his leadership in speeding up major projects that will create good-paying jobs, build a more competitive and self-reliant economy and help us unlock the enormous economic opportunity of the Ring of Fire.”

Federal Commitment to Faster Reviews

The agreement is now in effect and includes a side letter committing the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to complete its review of the environmental assessment for the proposed roads to the Ring of Fire by June 2026.

“Canada’s new government is focused on what we can control — building a stronger, more sustainable, more independent Canadian economy,” said Prime Minister Mark Carney. “Our agreement with Ontario will build major projects faster, helping to diversify our trade partners, strengthen our industries and empower more Canadians with high-paying careers. We are building Canada Strong, and we’re building bigger and faster together.”

Ontario and Canada have signed a historic cooperation agreement to build infrastructure and unlock resource development faster.

Our new one project, one process, one decision model will protect Ontario and Canada by cutting red tape and duplication that has stood in the way of… pic.twitter.com/dkzIiOYdCa

— Natalia Kusendova-Bashta (@NatKusendova) December 18, 2025

Unlocking Critical Minerals and Economic Growth

The Ring of Fire, located in Northern Ontario, contains significant deposits of critical minerals used in electric vehicles, batteries, advanced manufacturing and defence technologies. Both governments have positioned faster project approvals as key to securing Canada’s role in global supply chains.

“Now more than ever, we need to speed up project timelines and provide greater certainty to businesses and communities looking to build and invest,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Together with the federal government, we’re taking decisive steps to build a stronger, more competitive and prosperous economy that creates jobs and prosperity for the people of Ontario, while maintaining environmental protections.”

Indigenous Partnerships Remain Central

Indigenous leadership and consultation remain a core component of the new approach. Ontario has recently signed agreements with Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation to support community infrastructure and advance road access to the Ring of Fire.

“We are working in lockstep with First Nations as they lead assessments on legacy infrastructure projects,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships. “The elimination of duplicative regulatory processes ensures that First Nations, government and industry can build consensus around major projects aligned with community priorities.”

Energy Security and Trade Pressures

Provincial ministers say the agreement is also critical to strengthening Canada’s economic and resource security amid global trade pressures.

“One project. One process. One stronger Canadian economy. We are moving with speed and fighting back against President Trump, because the status quo of duplication and delay is indefensible,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Now more than ever, we are working together to accelerate responsible resource development, create good-paying jobs and stand up for the most ethical resource on Earth.”

Northern Ontario Impact

Northern Ontario leaders say the agreement could help unlock long-delayed economic potential across the region.

“The alignment of provincial and federal approvals is great news for Northern Ontario,” said George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth. “This streamlined approach will expedite the creation of good-paying jobs, strengthen partnerships with First Nations and advance the full economic potential of the North.”

Environmental and Legal Safeguards

Federal ministers emphasized that environmental protection and Indigenous rights remain in place under the new framework.

“I am confident this agreement will ensure that environmental protection and Indigenous rights continue to be upheld, while reducing duplication during the assessment of major projects in Ontario,” said Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature.

“By adopting a ‘one project, one review’ approach in Ontario, we are simplifying major project assessments, catalyzing new investment, development and good-paying careers,” said Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy. “Together, we are building not just a stronger Ontario, but a stronger, more resilient Canada.”

Ongoing Oversight

Ontario and Canada will meet annually to review the implementation of the agreement and track progress toward the “one project, one process, one decision” goal.

Source: Premier’s Office of Ontario

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