New ‘One Project, One Process, One Decision’ model will remove duplication, attract investment and get shovels in the ground years faster
TORONTO — Ontario and Canada have signed a historic cooperation agreement that will significantly streamline environmental approvals for major infrastructure and resource projects through a new ‘one project, one process, one decision’ model that is now in effect. The agreement will remove duplicative and overlapping federal impact assessments from Ontario’s world-leading environmental assessment process to build infrastructure faster and unlock resource development across the province, helping to build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant Canadian economy.
“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 ‘one project, one process, one decision’ model, a project that would have previously been subject to both a federal impact assessment and a provincial environmental assessment will now only be subject to Ontario’s environmental assessment process. Doing so will streamline regulatory processes, shorten review timelines, bring certainty to project proponents and help to attract more investment into Ontario’s economy. Today’s agreement also includes a side letter between both levels of government where the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada commits to completing its review of the assessment of the roads to the Ring of Fire no later than June 2026.
“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.”
Unlocking Ontario’s vast critical mineral resources is an important part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy. As the global demand for critical minerals needed to manufacture electric vehicles, batteries, modern defence technologies and advanced manufacturing continues to grow, Ontario has the deposits, skilled workforce, expertise and business-friendly investment climate to secure the province’s place as the most competitive jurisdiction in the G7 to invest, create jobs and do business.
“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.”
Quick Facts
- Ontario’s ‘One Project, One Process’ framework to reviewing and approving mining applications is cutting review timelines in half.
- Canada and Ontario have an existing Cooperation Agreement from 2004 that outlines how the two jurisdictions coordinate the federal impact assessment and provincial environmental assessment processes when a proposed project is subject to both provincial and federal requirements.
- Ontario and Canada will meet annually to review the agreement’s implementation, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement toward the ‘one project, one process, one decision’ goal.
- The province recently announced historic agreements with Marten Falls First Nation and Webequie First Nation, providing up to $39.5 million to each First Nation for community infrastructure and to advance the Marten Falls Community Access Road and the Webequie Supply Road. Ontario has also confirmed support for the Northern Road Link to the Ring of Fire with Marten Falls First Nation.
Quotes
“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.”
– Greg Rickford
Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Ring of Fire Economic and Community Partnerships
“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. Now more than ever, we are working together to accelerate responsible resource development, create good-paying jobs and stand up for the most ethical resource on Earth.”
– Stephen Lecce
Minister of Energy and Mines
“The alignment of provincial and federal approvals is great news for Northern Ontario. In parallel with the recently implemented ‘One Project, One Process’ framework we are further creating the certainty needed to attract investment for major projects. This streamlined approach will expedite the creation of good-paying jobs, strengthen partnerships with First Nations and advance the full economic potential of the North.”
– George Pirie
Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth
“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.”
– Julie Dabrusin
Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature
“By adopting a ‘one project, one review’ approach in Ontario, we are simplifying major project assessments, catalyzing new investment, development and good-paying careers. Together, we are building not just a stronger Ontario, but a stronger, more resilient Canada.”
– Dominic LeBlanc
President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy