Ontario and the federal government have signed what they are calling a historic cooperation agreement aimed at eliminating overlapping environmental assessments and accelerating major infrastructure and resource projects, including development tied to the Ring of Fire in Northern Ontario .
Announced Dec. 18, the agreement introduces a new “one project, one process, one decision” model that removes duplicative federal impact assessments when projects are already subject to Ontario’s environmental assessment regime. The change is intended to shorten approval timelines, provide greater certainty for investors and proponents, and help unlock large-scale economic opportunities tied to critical minerals and infrastructure development.
“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.”
Under the new framework, projects that would previously have undergone both federal and provincial reviews will now be assessed solely through Ontario’s environmental assessment process. Government officials say this approach will streamline regulatory oversight while maintaining environmental protections, allowing projects to move from proposal to construction years faster than under the previous system.
The agreement also includes a side letter committing the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada to complete its review of the environmental assessment for proposed access roads to the Ring of Fire by no later than June 2026, a key milestone for advancing development in the mineral-rich region.
“Canada’s new government is focused on what we can control — building a stronger, more sustainable, more independent Canadian economy,” said Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada. “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 Ring of Fire is widely viewed as one of Canada’s most significant untapped mineral regions, containing deposits critical to electric vehicles, battery manufacturing, defence technologies and advanced manufacturing. With global demand for critical minerals continuing to rise, Ontario has positioned the region as a cornerstone of its broader strategy to enhance economic competitiveness and supply-chain resilience.
Provincial officials argue that reducing regulatory duplication is essential to attracting the investment required to develop these resources while ensuring that projects are delivered responsibly.
“Now more than ever, we need to speed up project timelines and provide greater certainty to businesses and communities looking to build and invest,” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “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.”
The agreement builds on a long-standing 2004 cooperation framework between Ontario and Canada governing how environmental assessments are coordinated. Under the updated model, both governments will meet annually to review implementation and ensure progress toward the stated goal of a single, streamlined approval process.
The province says its existing “One Project, One Process” framework has already cut mining review timelines in half. The new federal-provincial alignment is expected to further reduce delays, particularly for large, complex projects in Northern Ontario.
Several ministers emphasized that Indigenous partnerships remain central to the approach. The province recently announced agreements providing up to $39.5 million each to Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation for community infrastructure and road development linked to the Ring of Fire.
“We are working in lockstep with First Nations as they lead assessments on legacy infrastructure projects. The elimination of duplicative regulatory processes ensures that First Nations, government and industry can build consensus around major projects aligned with community priorities,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships.
Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce framed the agreement as a broader economic and geopolitical response. “One project. One process. One stronger Canadian economy. We are moving with speed and fighting back against President Trump, because the status quo of duplication and delay is indefensible,” he said.
Federal ministers also underscored the balance between efficiency and oversight. “I am confident this agreement will ensure that environmental protection and Indigenous rights continue to be upheld, while reducing duplication during the assessment of major projects in Ontario,” said Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature.
Taken together, the agreement signals a coordinated effort by Queen’s Park and Ottawa to fast-track development while positioning Ontario — and Canada — as a more competitive destination for large-scale investment.
