Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act
Ontario's Bill 5 (Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025) is the Ford government's signature 2025 economic-development statute speeding up provincial approvals for major mining and infrastructure projects in the Ring of Fire region of the James Bay Lowlands. Reduces the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act timeline for projects designated as economically significant, allows the Minister of Mines to issue interim authorizations, and shortens the duty-to-consult process with First Nations communities. The Matawa First Nations, Neskantaga First Nation, and Attawapiskat First Nation, along with Ecojustice, have filed Ontario Superior Court challenges arguing it conflicts with section 35 Aboriginal rights and the SCC's Mikisew Cree First Nation v. Canada (2018 SCC 40) duty-to-consult framework.
Status
Quick learn
Speeds up provincial approvals for major mining and infrastructure projects in Ontario's Ring of Fire region. Premier Ford has framed it as an economic-development bill; some First Nations and environmental groups have challenged it in court on duty-to-consult and environmental-assessment grounds.
Issues this bill touches
- Indigenous Rights
Speeds up provincial approvals for major mining and infrastructure projects in Ontario's Ring of Fire. First Nations have challenged it in court.
Legislative history
- Introduced
Tabled in the originating chamber by the sponsor.
View source - Royal assent
Approved by both chambers and granted royal assent; now law.
View source
Sponsored by
Doug FordON PCOfficial source
Read full text on Parliament of Canada