Ontario’s PC Government has announced a bold step forward in Ontario’s plan to build a stronger, more self-reliant province by unlocking the full potential of our critical minerals sector.
As part of the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, the government is introducing a streamlined, accelerated approval process for mining projects. If passed, this legislation will cut permitting timelines for advanced exploration and mine development by at least 50%, helping to fast-track responsible development in regions like the Ring of Fire while maintaining robust environmental standards and the Duty to Consult.
Under the proposed “One Project, One Process” framework, approvals will be consolidated under a single coordinated process led by a dedicated project lead at the Ministry of Energy and Mines—eliminating duplication, slashing red tape, and making it easier to get projects off the ground.
The new Integrated Permitting Plan will further simplify the process by reducing the number of permits required and introducing clear performance metrics and binding service standards, providing greater certainty for investors and developers.
This legislation is a key pillar of the government’s broader plan to secure Ontario’s place as a global leader in critical minerals and advanced manufacturing. With U.S. tariffs threatening key Canadian industries, Ontario is moving quickly to build a self-reliant economy—one that delivers clean, made-in-Ontario minerals essential to everything from electric vehicles to smartphones.