Ontario has released draft criteria for designating Special Economic Zones, part of its plan to speed up approvals for major projects and strengthen the province’s economy.
The draft regulation, informed by consultations with Indigenous communities, was released Thursday to support further consultation and is expected to evolve with ongoing feedback.
“In the face of global economic uncertainty, our government has a mandate from the people to build the most competitive economy in the G7,” said Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job creation and trade. “Special Economic Zones are a critical tool to expedite approvals and move projects of strategic importance forward faster, boosting our economic resilience and delivering lasting prosperity for Ontario workers and businesses.”
The Special Economic Zones Act was introduced in response to U.S. tariffs as part of the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act. The government says the zones will help advance projects of critical importance while maintaining environmental standards and the duty to consult with Indigenous communities.
Graham McGregor, minister of citizenship and multiculturalism, said further engagement with Indigenous communities will be key. “We look forward to continuing consultations with Indigenous communities and organizations on proposed changes to the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA),” McGregor said. “Feedback on the OHA archaeology exemption criteria will help protect important archaeological sites while providing the clarity needed to attract investment, protect good-paying jobs, and strengthen Ontario’s economy by making Ontario the fastest permitting jurisdiction in North America.”
Greg Rickford, minister of Indigenous affairs and First Nations economic reconciliation, said the government remains committed to working with Indigenous communities. “Our government continues to facilitate hearty political participation and engagement with Indigenous communities across the province, with increasingly positive feedback, as we build out the regulations for Special Economic Zones,” Rickford said. “We are steadfast in our commitment to the duty to consult on the implementation of future use of Special Economic Zones, and in working in partnerships with communities and leadership to ensure that new projects support First Nations-led economic development and prosperity.”
The province said consultations will continue to support economic reconciliation and ensure the regulation reflects ongoing feedback from communities and stakeholders.
