The Ontario government has introduced new legislation it says will reduce regulatory burdens, speed up project approvals and strengthen protections for workers.
The proposed Protecting Ontario’s Workers and Economic Resilience Act, 2026, also known as the POWER Act, is part of the province’s broader effort to streamline permits and approvals while supporting economic growth.
Andrea Khanjin, minister of red tape reduction, said the legislation builds on previous efforts to make Ontario more competitive.
“This legislation is the next chapter in our government’s work to help build a more resilient and self-sustaining economy that can withstand disruption and make Ontario the best place in the G7 to invest, do business and create jobs,” Khanjin said.
“By cutting red tape, we’re creating the certainty and confidence businesses need to invest and grow here in Ontario.”
The province says it has already made progress since introducing earlier legislation in 2025, with more than 150 business-related permits either completed or under review. Ontario is aiming to eliminate or streamline at least 35 per cent of business-facing permits by the end of 2028.
Proposed changes include clarifying service standards for permit applications, using artificial intelligence tools to support mining project planning, and launching a new information technology system as part of a broader overhaul of heritage-related processes.
Officials say the measures are intended to reduce delays, improve accountability and create a more predictable environment for investment and job creation.
The legislation also includes provisions aimed at worker health and safety, along with efforts to harmonize training requirements across provinces to improve labour mobility.
Additional measures would expand access to medical residency positions for internationally trained graduates with Ontario connections, particularly to address physician shortages in underserved communities. The act also proposes changes to the Ombudsman Act requiring the ombudsman to be proficient in both English and French.
The government says the package includes 23 initiatives focused on supporting workers, improving access to high-demand jobs and streamlining regulatory processes, while maintaining existing protections.
Since 2018, Ontario says it has taken about 700 actions to reduce red tape, saving an estimated $1.3 billion for businesses, institutions and organizations across the province.
