Ontario Chamber welcomes historic federal–provincial agreement to unlock Ring of Fire

(TORONTO — December 18, 2025) — The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) welcomes today’s historic cooperation agreement between the governments of Ontario and Canada to streamline environmental approvals through a “one project, one process” model. This marks a significant step toward unlocking the economic potential of the Ring of Fire and strengthening Canada’s competitiveness in critical minerals.

“This agreement can be a turning point for critical minerals in Ontario,” said Daniel Tisch, President and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “By eliminating duplication and streamlining approvals, we can deliver the certainty that businesses, communities, and Indigenous partners need to move from planning to construction.”

The chamber’s report, Mining 2030: Unearthing Ontario’s Potential, found it can take 15 to 25 years for a new mine to reach production in Canada, putting Ontario at a disadvantage in the global market. The report called for reforms like those advanced by the new agreement, including:

• Reducing regulatory duplication through better federal–provincial coordination and substitution of provincial processes where appropriate
• A single, end-to-end window for project proponents navigating approvals and consultation
• Clear, predictable timelines, including firm decision deadlines, to improve investment certainty

Ontario’s critical minerals are essential to global decarbonization, advanced manufacturing and national security, while also creating opportunities for long-term economic partnerships with Indigenous communities.

“As global demand for critical minerals surges, Ontario cannot afford to stand still,” Tisch said. “This agreement sends a strong signal that Canada is ready to build, invest, and compete—while maintaining the highest standards for environmental stewardship and Indigenous consultation.”

The Ontario Chamber looks forward to continued collaboration with both levels of government and Indigenous partners to ensure the effective implementation and expansion of the framework and the long-term success of Ontario’s mining sector.

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About the Ontario Chamber of Commerce 

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is the indispensable partner of business and Canada’s largest, most influential provincial chamber. It is an independent, non-profit advocacy and member services organization representing a diverse network of 60,000 members. The OCC convenes, mobilizes and empowers business and local chambers in pursuit of its purpose: to bring inclusive and sustainable prosperity to Ontario’s businesses, workers, and communities.

For more information, please contact:

Andrea Carmona
Senior Manager, Public Affairs
Ontario Chamber of Commerce
andreacarmona@occ.ca | Mobile: 647-234-0255