Overview

• The Ontario government’s proposed legislation would allow cabinet to designate special economic zones exempt from provincial and municipal laws to fast-track infrastructure and resource projects.
• The bill passed second reading on May 6, 2025, and will undergo two days of committee hearings for stakeholder input.
• First Nations leaders, including Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler, criticized the lack of consultation and warned of potential resistance if the bill proceeds without changes.
• Environmental groups raised concerns over the rollback of protections under the Endangered Species Act, including narrowing habitat definitions and weakening recovery plans for at-risk species.
• Premier Doug Ford and Energy Minister Stephen Lecce defended the bill as essential for mining critical minerals in the Ring of Fire region and advancing Ontario’s clean energy ambitions.