Ontario and the federal government have signed what they are calling a historic cooperation agreement aimed at speeding up major infrastructure and resource projects, including development tied to the Ring of Fire.
Announced Thursday, the agreement introduces a new “one project, one process, one decision” model that is now in effect. Under the framework, projects that would previously have required both a federal impact assessment and a provincial environmental assessment will instead be reviewed solely through Ontario’s environmental assessment process. The province says the change will eliminate duplicative and overlapping federal reviews, shorten approval timelines, provide greater certainty to project proponents and help attract investment across Ontario.
“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.”
As part of the agreement, a side letter commits the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to completing its review of the assessment of roads to the Ring of Fire no later than June 2026.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said the agreement reflects the federal government’s focus on strengthening the national economy and accelerating development. “Canada’s new government is focused on what we can control — building a stronger, more sustainable, more independent Canadian economy,” he said. “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.”
The province says unlocking Ontario’s critical mineral resources is a key part of its broader plan to build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy. With global demand increasing for minerals used in electric vehicles, batteries, advanced manufacturing and modern defence technologies, Ontario maintains it is well positioned due to its mineral deposits, skilled workforce, technical expertise and business-friendly investment climate.
Environment, Conservation and Parks Minister Todd McCarthy said faster approvals will benefit both businesses and communities. “Now more than ever, we need to speed up project timelines and provide greater certainty to businesses and communities looking to build and invest,” he said. “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.”
Ontario notes that its existing “One Project, One Process” framework for reviewing and approving mining applications has already cut review timelines in half. The new agreement builds on a cooperation agreement between Canada and Ontario that has been in place since 2004, which outlined how the two governments coordinate federal impact assessments and provincial environmental assessments when projects are subject to both jurisdictions.
Both governments have committed to meeting annually to review how the agreement is being implemented, with the stated goal of accountability and continuous improvement toward the “one project, one process, one decision” model.
The announcement also follows recent agreements between Ontario and Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation, providing up to $39.5 million to each community for local infrastructure and to advance the Marten Falls Community Access Road and the Webequie Supply Road. The province has also confirmed its support for the Northern Road Link to the Ring of Fire in partnership with Marten Falls First Nation.
