Thursday December 18, 2025 | OTTAWA, ON [Reporting from VICTORIA, BC – Posted at 2 pm PT]
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
A major projects agreement between the federal government and the Province of Ontario was announced today in a joint press conference held by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
Carney highlighted the importance for solar, wind and defence applications He reiterated his message about the rapidly shifting global economy: “We can’t control what other nations do but we can control what we do.”
Ford today said that Carney promised to “eliminate duplication to create jobs and opportunities across this country” and that “today he has kept his promise”.
The announcement today is “transformational”, said Ford, referring to the” one-decision framework” that is intended to bring certainty to investors and project proponents.
“It’s time for Canada to build big projects again,” said Ford.
Ford said that 70,000 good-paying jobs will result from today’s agreement, including in the Ring of Fire mining zone in northern Ontario
“Today’s agreement is the last step to get shovels in the ground in June 2026,” said Ford. The development of bridges, roads and mines in every region of Ontario will benefit.
Dominic LeBlanc, Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy said in a PMO statement today: “By adopting a ‘one project, one review’ approach in Ontario, we are simplifying major project assessments, catalysing new investment, development, and good-paying careers. Together, we are building not just a stronger Ontario, but a stronger, more resilient Canada.”
Summary:
- Today’s agreement between Canada and Ontario is the third of its kind, following one with New Brunswick earlier this week and a previously established agreement on impact assessments with British Columbia in 2019. Agreements with Manitoba and Prince Edward Island have completed consultation and are being finalised. Alberta and Canada are working to sign a co-operation agreement by April 1, 2026.
- Last month, Prime Minister Carney announced the second tranche of projects referred to the Major Projects Office (MPO) to drive tens of billions of dollars in further investments, while creating the conditions for a better connected, more productive, and ambitious country.
- Together, the first and second tranches of MPO projects represent a combined potential investment of more than $116 billion in our economy and will create thousands of well-paying careers for Canadians.
- The MPO was created under the One Canadian Economy’s Building Canada Act, which came into force on June 26, 2025.
- The MPO is providing $40 million over two years to increase the capacity of Indigenous Peoples to engage early and consistently on major projects.
- The federal government has also expanded the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program from $5 billion to $10 billion, to help create long-term economic opportunities and build lasting prosperity for Indigenous Peoples across Canada.
- A recent Statistics Canada study confirmed that regulatory requirements in Canada increased by 2.1% per year from 2006 to 2021 (37% total). This has lowered business sector investment growth by 9%.
Full statement from the Prime Minister’s Office:
Canada and Ontario sign a new agreement to accelerate the construction of major projects in Ontario
December 18, 2025
“The world is changing rapidly. The United States, the world’s largest economy, is fundamentally reshaping all its trade relationships, causing major disruption and upheaval for Canadians. Canada is transforming its economy from one that is reliant on a single trade partner to one that is stronger and more resilient to global shocks. Canada’s new government is working with provinces and territories to build major infrastructure projects that will diversify our exports, make Canada an energy superpower, and build a stronger, more sustainable, more independent economy.
“Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, and the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, announced the new Co-operation Agreement between Ontario and Canada on Environmental and Impact Assessment.
“This agreement will bring a “one project, one review” approach to major infrastructure initiatives in Ontario. Canada and Ontario will implement a streamlined and flexible assessment process that minimises duplication and delivers major projects faster while reinforcing strong environmental protections. This ensures both governments can adopt the most effective assessment process on a case-by-case basis – either by relying on Ontario’s process or by implementing a coordinated federal-provincial approach.
“The agreement ensures that the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada can provide Ontario with federal expertise and support in areas such as environmental protection, Indigenous engagement, and sustainable project development. This will ensure federal and provincial responsibilities to the environment and the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights are upheld.
“Facing profound global uncertainty, Canada’s new government is focused on what we can control: diversifying our partners abroad and building our strength at home. We are building in partnership with provinces and territories through the Major Projects Office and agreements that create the conditions to build major infrastructure faster, including those signed with Alberta and New Brunswick. Today’s agreement with Ontario will accelerate the construction of major projects – attracting more investment in new infrastructure that will grow the economy, support workers and their families, and create high-paying careers.”
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- NEWS SECTIONS: MAJOR PROJECTS OFFICE | COUNCIL of the FEDERATION | BUSINESS & ECONOMY