‘One Project, One Process, One Decision’ model aims to cut regulatory duplication, attract investment, and speed construction of major infrastructure and resource developments
Ontario Construction News staff writer
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney have signed a cooperation agreement that will streamline environmental approvals for major infrastructure and resource projects across the province, including the Ring of Fire mining region.
Ford says the agreement is the last one needed to launch construction on the Ring of Fire. He predicts shovels will be in the ground in June 2026, “as soon as the ground thaws, three whole years ahead of schedule.”
The new “one project, one process, one decision” model removes duplicative federal impact assessments for projects already undergoing Ontario’s environmental assessment process. The goal is to shorten review timelines, provide certainty to project proponents, and attract investment to the province’s economy.
Ford says the agreement will help remove regulatory duplication that has slowed nation-building projects.
“With this historic agreement, our two governments are working together to protect Ontario and Canada by removing unnecessary red tape,” Ford said. “This will create jobs, build a more competitive economy and help unlock the enormous economic opportunity of the Ring of Fire.”
Under the new model, projects that would previously have required both federal and provincial reviews will now only undergo Ontario’s assessment process. A side letter in the agreement commits the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to completing its review of the roads to the Ring of Fire by June 2026.
“Our agreement with Ontario will build major projects faster, helping to diversify trade partners, strengthen industries, and provide high-paying careers,” Carney said at a press conference.
Ontario has significant deposits of critical minerals, which are essential for electric vehicles, batteries, advanced manufacturing, and defence technologies. Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, said the agreement provides greater certainty for businesses and communities while maintaining environmental protections.
“Together with the federal government, we’re taking decisive steps to build a stronger, more competitive economy that creates jobs and prosperity for the people of Ontario,” McCarthy said.
The province’s framework for mining applications under the new model is expected to cut review timelines in half. Ontario and Canada will meet annually to review the implementation of the agreement and ensure continued accountability.
Ontario recently reached agreements with Marten Falls and Webequie First Nations, providing up to $39.5 million each for community infrastructure and access roads, including the Northern Road Link to the Ring of Fire.
The co-operation agreement builds on an existing 2004 framework for coordinating federal and provincial assessments, and represents a key step in advancing Ontario’s resource development while aiming to maintain environmental standards.
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