Canada, Ontario Sign Pact to Fast-Track Major Projects With ‘One Project, One Review’ System

Ontario (Gaganjot Singh): Canada and Ontario on Thursday signed a new co-operation agreement aimed at speeding up major infrastructure projects by streamlining environmental and impact assessments, as the federal government pushes to strengthen the economy amid shifting global trade dynamics.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced the agreement, which introduces a “one project, one review” approach for large infrastructure initiatives in Ontario. The framework is designed to reduce regulatory duplication between federal and provincial authorities while maintaining strong environmental safeguards and protections for Indigenous rights.

Under the agreement, Canada and Ontario will adopt a flexible assessment process that allows projects to proceed under either Ontario’s environmental review system or a coordinated federal-provincial process, depending on which is most effective. The goal is to deliver major projects faster without weakening oversight or accountability.

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada will continue to support Ontario by providing federal expertise in areas such as environmental protection, Indigenous consultation and sustainable development. The arrangement ensures that both levels of government continue to meet their legal and constitutional responsibilities.

Speaking at the announcement, Carney said Canada is responding to growing global uncertainty and changing trade relationships, particularly with the United States, by building domestic strength and reducing reliance on a single trading partner. He said the agreement would help attract large-scale investment, accelerate infrastructure development and create well-paying jobs across the country.

Premier Ford described the pact as a significant step toward removing what he called unnecessary red tape that has delayed nation-building projects for years. He said faster approvals would support economic growth, job creation and efforts to unlock major resource opportunities, including in Ontario’s Ring of Fire region.

Federal ministers said the agreement strikes a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility. Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin said environmental protections and Indigenous rights would continue to be upheld, even as project timelines are shortened. Ontario Environment Minister Todd McCarthy said the move would provide greater certainty for businesses and communities looking to invest and build in the province.

The Ontario agreement is the third of its kind, following similar arrangements with New Brunswick earlier this week and British Columbia in 2019. Consultations with Manitoba and Prince Edward Island have been completed, and agreements with both provinces are expected to be finalised. Canada and Alberta are also working toward signing a co-operation agreement by April 1, 2026.

Last month, Carney announced a second group of projects referred to the Major Projects Office, adding to earlier proposals. Together, the two tranches represent potential investments of more than $116 billion and are expected to generate thousands of high-paying jobs. The Major Projects Office was established under the Building Canada Act, which came into force in June 2025.

The federal government has also committed additional funding to support Indigenous participation in major projects, including $40 million over two years to strengthen early engagement and an expansion of the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program from $5 billion to $10 billion.

According to a recent Statistics Canada study, regulatory requirements increased by 37 per cent between 2006 and 2021, contributing to a slowdown in business investment. Federal officials said the new agreement is part of a broader effort to reverse that trend while building a more resilient and independent Canadian economy.