Unlocking Ontario’s Economic Potential: Why Engineers Are Key to Responsible Growth

Today, the Ontario government announced the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025, introducing major changes designed to accelerate critical mineral development, mining, and infrastructure projects across the province. As the voice of Ontario’s engineers, OSPE welcomes the intent behind this legislation; recognizing that engineers must play a central role in ensuring responsible, sustainable, and technically sound economic growth. 

Premier Doug Ford and Minister Stephen Lecce emphasized the need to cut red tape, reduce duplicative approvals, and fast-track key projects, particularly in the Ring of Fire and other critical mineral zones. These measures aim to position Ontario as the most competitive jurisdiction in the G7 for investment, job creation, and economic security. 

Policy Wins for OSPE and Ontario’s Engineering Community 

Several elements of the new legislation directly align with OSPE’s advocacy efforts: 

Streamlined Permitting Processes 

The introduction of a One Project, One Process model and binding service standards for government reviews reflects OSPE’s longstanding recommendation to eliminate inefficiencies and create predictability in project development. 

Acceleration of Critical Minerals Development 

The focus on unlocking critical mineral projects, including in the Ring of Fire, supports OSPE’s position that Ontario must secure its role in global clean energy and manufacturing supply chains. 

Securing Supply Chains and Economic Sovereignty 

Measures to restrict access by foreign state-owned enterprises and prioritize Ontario-led development align with OSPE’s calls for greater economic resilience and protection of strategic resources. 

Commitment to Maintain Environmental Standards 

Despite faster processes, the province’s commitment to upholding environmental standards aligns with OSPE’s principle that growth must be responsible, and sustainable. 

Increased Funding for Species Conservation 

The launch of a new $20 million species conservation program reinforces OSPE’s belief that environmental stewardship must advance alongside economic growth. 

Protecting Critical Mineral Resources from Bad Actors 

Proposing delegated authorities to restrict the registration or transfer of mining claims, deny a lease, cancel a mining claim registration or terminate a lease, on the basis of protecting the strategic national mineral supply chain. OSPE continues to advocate for a regulatory focus for delegated authorities so they have the necessary resources to identify and restrict the activities of bad actors, so the public can have confidence in the approval process. 

Building a Secure Energy Grid  

This legislation aims to restrict access to foreign state owned or based companies while streamlining the permitting process to get projects built faster. 

Efficiency Without Compromising Excellence 

While OSPE supports accelerating Ontario’s critical projects, we emphasize that speed must never come at the expense of quality, safety, or sustainability. Engineers are legally and ethically bound to uphold the public interest, and their expertise is essential to ensure that faster approvals do not result in unintended risks. 

Meaningful consultation and engagement with Indigenous communities, rigorous environmental reviews, and respect for evidence-based technical assessments must remain foundational pillars of any development strategy. 

As Ontario moves forward, OSPE will continue to advocate for: 

• Clear roles for engineers in all stages of project development. 

• Strong environmental protections built on technical expertise. 

• Respectful, meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities. 

• Transparent processes that prioritize public interest and technical excellence. 

Ontario’s abundance of critical minerals presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a resilient, innovative, and sustainable economy. Engineers will be key to unlocking this potential, designing smarter infrastructure, advancing clean technologies, and ensuring responsible resource development. 

OSPE stands ready to support the province’s efforts by providing the engineering expertise needed to turn bold policy into lasting success, as well as provide examples of where the province can streamline the administrative process for applications. 

Together, we can build an Ontario that is not only economically stronger, but also more sustainable, inclusive, and innovative.