Ontario’s “One Project, One Process” Bill: What It Means for the Economy, Industry, and Indigenous Communities

Ontario’s new “One Project, One Process” bill promises to overhaul how major projects are approved in the province. Designed to streamline regulatory processes while maintaining environmental stewardship and Indigenous consultation, the bill could significantly reshape Ontario’s economic landscape. As Canada pushes forward with resource development and critical infrastructure expansion, this legislation arrives at a pivotal moment. Its success—or failure—could have lasting effects on investment, job creation, Indigenous participation, and environmental outcomes.

Background of “One Project, One Process”

Until now, large projects in Ontario often faced overlapping federal and provincial regulatory reviews. Developers were frequently forced to navigate two separate approval tracks, resulting in costly delays, duplicative requirements, and administrative uncertainty.

According to the Government of Ontario, the “One Project, One Process” legislation seeks to reduce duplication between provincial and federal environmental assessments. “By streamlining approval processes while maintaining robust environmental standards, Ontario will unleash the economic potential of its critical minerals to make the province’s economy the most competitive place in the G7 to invest, create jobs and do business.” (Ontario.ca News Release, 2025).

Delays have real economic consequences. A study by the Fraser Institute found that the average time to receive approval for mining projects in Canada is among the longest in the world (Fraser Institute Mining Survey, 2024). These challenges have deterred investment, particularly in sectors crucial to Ontario’s future, such as critical minerals, energy generation, transportation, and housing development.

The “One Project, One Process” approach reflects a growing consensus among policymakers: a more predictable, efficient system is needed to meet Canada’s goals for economic growth and energy transition.

Key Provisions of the “One Project, One Process” Bill

The bill introduces several major reforms intended to make project development more efficient:

• Single Environmental and Regulatory Assessment: Projects will be assessed through one integrated process instead of undergoing separate provincial and federal reviews.
• Clear Timelines: Specific time limits for regulatory decisions will be imposed, reducing open-ended waiting periods.
• Strengthened Indigenous Consultation: The bill codifies Indigenous consultation obligations, ensuring early and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities.
• Coordination with Federal Authorities: Ontario plans to collaborate with federal agencies to avoid duplication and meet national standards when required.

This coordinated model is intended to preserve environmental protections and Indigenous rights while speeding up the overall approval process.

Economic Implications of the “One Project, One Process” Bill

Investment Climate

The most immediate economic impact of the “One Project, One Process” bill is likely to be an improvement in investor confidence. Companies often cite regulatory uncertainty as one of the primary risks associated with major capital projects. By offering a more predictable and transparent approval process, Ontario positions itself as a more attractive destination for domestic and international investors.

A report from the Mining Association of Canada notes that project delays can increase costs by up to 20%and reduce investment attractiveness, particularly for critical minerals needed for electric vehicles and renewable energy systems (MAC Critical Minerals Report, 2024).

Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy projects over $10 billion in new investment opportunities by 2030, fueled by global demand for battery metals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt (Ontario Critical Minerals Strategy, 2022).

Job Creation and Regional Development

Faster project approvals could lead to the accelerated launch of construction projects, generating thousands of new jobs across a range of industries. Northern Ontario, rural areas, and Indigenous communities stand to benefit significantly through direct employment, supply chain contracts, and associated economic development.

Beyond short-term construction jobs, the bill could catalyze longer-term employment opportunities in sectors such as resource processing, environmental services, and engineering.

Indigenous Economic Participation

Indigenous consultation is an important piece of the bill’s framework. By engaging communities early in the project lifecycle and providing mechanisms for partnership, the legislation could foster greater Indigenous economic inclusion.

According to the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, nearly 70% of Indigenous businesses in resource sectors report positive economic benefits from project partnerships (CCAB Export Experiences of Indigenous Entrepreneurs, 2023).

The Chiefs of Ontario emphasized in a public statement that extracting natural resources Engaging in costly economic confrontations or extracting natural resources “cannot come at the expense of First Nations’ inherent and Treaty rights nor our sovereignty” (Chiefs of Ontario, 2025). Ensuring that the consultation process is substantive—and not merely procedural—will be key to the bill’s long-term success.

Potential Risks and Criticisms

While the bill aims to improve efficiency, critics warn that it could weaken environmental safeguards if not carefully implemented. Environmental organizations have raised concerns that without robust oversight mechanisms, the desire for faster approvals could unintentionally lead to environmental degradation over the long term.

Some Indigenous leaders have also voiced concern that “streamlining” could prioritize speed over substance when it comes to consultation. Upholding Section 35 constitutional rights will require careful oversight and potentially stronger mechanisms to ensure the process remains both lawful and inclusive.

There is also a risk of federal-provincial conflict. The federal government retains authority to conduct its own environmental assessments for projects of national significance. If Ontario’s process is perceived as insufficient, federal intervention could reintroduce delays and legal challenges, undermining the bill’s objectives.

Comparative Analysis

Ontario is not alone in pursuing streamlined approvals. Alberta’s “Red Tape Reduction” initiatives have accelerated project development but drawn criticism over environmental oversight. British Columbia has adopted a more cautious “coordinated decision-making” model, emphasizing Indigenous consent alongside faster approvals.

Ontario’s challenge will be to balance speed with integrity. If it succeeds, it could serve as a model not just provincially, but nationally.

Future Outlook

Short-Term (1–3 Years)

If passed and implemented effectively, the bill could kick-start several stalled projects within the next few years. We could see an uptick in critical mineral exploration, housing developments tied to major infrastructure projects like Highway 413, and clean energy initiatives such as new battery plants and transmission lines.

Medium-Term (3–7 Years)

The medium-term effects could be transformational. Ontario could solidify its reputation as a top-tier jurisdiction for mining investment, play a central role in North America’s electric vehicle supply chain, and bridge critical infrastructure gaps needed for sustained economic growth.

Final Thoughts

Ontario’s “One Project, One Process” bill represents a bold attempt to modernize how major projects are approved, aiming to strike a delicate balance between efficiency, environmental protection, and Indigenous reconciliation. Economically, the potential benefits are substantial: faster approvals, stronger investment inflows, job creation, and regional development.

However, the risks are equally real. Rushing approvals without proper consultation or environmental oversight could backfire, leading to legal challenges, damaged relationships, and reputational harm.

Ultimately, the success of this initiative will depend not just on legislation, but on how carefully, transparently, and inclusively Ontario implements the “one process” it envisions. If it gets the balance right, Ontario could usher in a new era of responsible, sustainable growth.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BRIAN GOSS

President, Rangefront Mining Services

Brian Goss brings over 20 years of experience in gold and mineral exploration. He is the founder and President of Rangefront, a premier geological services and mining consulting company that caters to a large spectrum of clients in the mining and minerals exploration industries. Brian is also a director of Lithium Corp. (OTCQB: LTUM), an exploration stage company specializing in energy storage minerals and from 2014 to 2017, he fulfilled the role of President and Director of Graphite Corp. (OTCQB: GRPH), an exploration stage that specialized in the development of graphite properties. Prior to founding Rangefront, Brian worked as a staff geologist for Centerra Gold on the REN project, as well as various exploration and development projects in the Western United States and Michigan. Brian Goss holds a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Geology from Wayne State University in Michigan.

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