Proposed legislation aims to accelerate project approvals while strengthening worker protections
Government positions bill as next phase in economic competitiveness strategy
The government of Ontario has introduced new legislation designed to reduce regulatory burdens, speed up project approvals and strengthen workforce protections, as part of its broader push to enhance economic resilience and competitiveness.
Announced in Toronto on April 20, the Protecting Ontario’s Workers and Economic Resilience Act, 2026—referred to as the POWER Act—marks the latest step in the province’s ongoing effort to streamline business processes while supporting workers entering high-demand sectors.
Officials say the proposed legislation builds on earlier reforms, including the Building a More Competitive Economy Act introduced in 2025, and reflects a continued focus on reducing administrative friction for businesses operating in the province.
“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,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of Red Tape Reduction. “By cutting red tape, we’re creating the certainty and confidence businesses need to invest and grow here in Ontario.”
Streamlining approvals and leveraging technology
The POWER Act proposes several measures aimed at improving the efficiency of provincial permitting systems. Among them are regulatory changes to clarify service standards for permit applications and the introduction of new tools to help businesses better navigate approval requirements.
A key component includes support for the province’s One Project, One Process (1P1P) initiative in the mining sector, where artificial intelligence would be used to identify required permits and flag potential regulatory barriers early in project planning.
The government also plans to launch a new IT system under its Heritage Framework Transformation initiative, intended to enhance accountability, improve compliance and speed up project delivery timelines.
Since 2018, Ontario reports it has undertaken approximately 700 actions to reduce administrative burden, generating an estimated $1.3 billion in savings for businesses and public-sector organizations. The province is targeting a reduction or streamlining of at least 35 per cent of all business-facing permits by 2028, with more than 150 permits already completed or under review.
Workforce protections and labour mobility
Beyond regulatory reform, the proposed legislation introduces a series of measures focused on worker health, safety and mobility. The government says these changes will help harmonize training requirements across provinces, enabling workers to move more easily between jurisdictions and access employment opportunities more quickly.
“Workers are the backbone of our economy, and the POWER Act is about making sure they are protected, prepared and positioned to succeed. These proposed changes will strengthen workplace health and safety, reduce unnecessary barriers to labour mobility and help more people move quickly into good-paying, in-demand jobs. That is how we protect workers while building a more competitive and resilient province. ” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Government officials argue that reducing delays in approvals and aligning labour standards across Canada will create a more flexible workforce while addressing persistent labour shortages in key sectors.
Supporting housing, infrastructure and healthcare
The legislation is also positioned as a tool to accelerate housing and infrastructure development by reducing approval timelines while maintaining environmental safeguards.
“Now more than ever, government needs to find ways to support our growing communities and secure the investment and jobs that will keep our economy thriving for generations to come. By streamlining processes and speeding up approvals, we are making it possible for housing and infrastructure projects to get started faster, while maintaining key environmental protections.” said Todd McCarthy, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
In the healthcare sector, the bill proposes expanding access to medical residency positions for internationally trained graduates with ties to Ontario, a move aimed at addressing physician shortages, particularly in underserved communities.
“Our government is protecting Ontario’s health-care system by taking bold action to strengthen Ontario’s physician workforce now, and into the future. By prioritizing medical residency spots for Ontario students, this proposed change would make it easier for Ontarians studying medicine abroad to return home and have a career as a doctor back here in Ontario.” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
Broader economic positioning
Government representatives say the POWER Act forms part of a larger strategy to position Ontario as a competitive jurisdiction for investment amid global economic uncertainty.
“We are fortifying our economy by eliminating needless red tape, boosting our productivity and strengthening our economic resilience, meeting the global challenges we face head-on. By reducing unnecessary delays, supporting labour mobility and making it easier for projects to move forward, we are giving workers and employers the certainty they need to invest, grow, and do business here in Ontario.” said Joseph Racinsky, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Red Tape Reduction.
“The POWER Act is about making government work better for people and smarter for businesses. From helping workers keep more of what they earn, to improving pathways into in-demand jobs, to making approvals more efficient, these are practical reforms that cut red tape, lower barriers, and help keep Ontario strong, competitive and ready for the future.” added Logan Kanapathi.
If passed, the legislation would introduce 23 initiatives spanning regulatory reform, labour mobility and worker protections, as Ontario continues its push to align economic growth with administrative efficiency and workforce development.