Ontario and Canada Sign Historic Co-operation Agreement to Eliminate Federal Duplication and Unlock the Ring of Fire

December 18, 2025

With this historic agreement, our two governments are working together to protect Ontario and Canada by removing the unnecessary red tape and regulatory duplication that has stood in the way of nation-building projects for too long.

The “one project, one process, one decision” model for new projects allows proponents to follow Ontario’s robust environmental assessment process when both provincial and federal requirements apply.

This agreement formalizes the commitment of both governments to deliver a more efficient and effective assessment process, speeding up major projects that will create good-paying jobs, build a more competitive and self-reliant economy and help us unlock the enormous economic opportunity of the Ring of Fire.

Unlocking Ontario’s vast critical mineral resources is an important part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario and build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy.

The province recently announced that it is providing up to $39.5 million to Marten Falls First Nation for community infrastructure as part of a historic agreement to advance the Marten Falls Community Access Road and Northern Road Link to the Ring of Fire.