Ontario Moves to Accelerate Mining and Energy Projects with New Economic Legislation
TORONTO – The Ontario government is moving to fast-track critical mineral and energy development across the province with new legislation aimed at eliminating red tape and streamlining approvals. Introduced on April 17, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025 seeks to slash project timelines and costs — especially in the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region — while upholding environmental protections and Indigenous consultation obligations.
Premier Doug Ford framed the legislation as a strategic response to mounting economic pressures and trade tensions with the United States.
“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 Ford. “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.”
If we want to be truly independent of the U.S. and self-reliant as a country, then we need to unlock Canada’s resource potential.
I was proud to unveil with @fordnation a plan to cut permitting timelines in half so we responsibly build mines faster. We are in a global mineral… pic.twitter.com/4UmTd28SQU
— Stephen Lecce (@Sflecce) April 17, 2025
One Process, Accelerated Permits
At the core of the proposed legislation is a “One Project, One Process” model. The plan consolidates approvals from multiple ministries into a single, streamlined permitting path with binding timelines. This is expected to reduce government review time for major projects by 50 per cent, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce emphasized the urgency, citing foreign trade threats and the global competition for resources:
“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.”
Ring of Fire in Focus
The legislation specifically supports development in the Ring of Fire, a 5,000-square-kilometre area north of Thunder Bay known for its untapped reserves of nickel, copper, and chromite — minerals key to manufacturing electric vehicles, batteries, and other clean technologies.
The province aims to designate special economic zones that qualify for accelerated services and permit approvals, with the first zone expected by September 2025. First Nations partnerships will be central, including ongoing collaboration with Marten Falls, Webequie, and Aroland First Nations.
Environmental and Indigenous Commitments
While the legislation fast-tracks development, the government insists that Ontario’s environmental standards will be preserved. Projects must meet stringent conditions to qualify for expedited processes, and a new Species Conservation Program will allocate $20 million annually — quadrupling current funding — to support community-based environmental efforts.
The legislation also proposes tougher penalties for non-compliance and a new registration-first model for certain species-related project approvals, which would allow proponents to begin work immediately after meeting required conditions.
Widespread Industry Support
Business and industry leaders have largely welcomed the move. The Ontario Mining Association, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, and the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce are among the groups praising the “One Project, One Process” approach.
“Mining doesn’t just impact Ontario’s north,” said Giles Gherson, President of the Toronto Region Board of Trade. “The critical minerals contained in the Ring of Fire are essential ingredients for sectors across the Toronto region.”
First Nations partnerships and economic reconciliation are also being highlighted. Wyloo Canada CEO Kristan Straub called the legislation “a sustainable and responsible path forward… grounded in meaningful dialogue and partnerships with First Nations.”
What Comes Next
If passed, the province will begin setting criteria for economic zone designation and implement permitting reforms across resource, housing, and infrastructure sectors. Construction, manufacturing, and mining companies will gain faster access to projects — a shift supporters say is essential for Ontario’s energy and economic security in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
As Lecce put it, “Now is the time for decisive action to secure our economic future.”
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