Ontario's controversial Bill 5, the 'Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act,' has received Royal Assent, granting the government broad powers to create 'special economic zones' exempt from provincial laws and municipal bylaws, aiming to fast-track major infrastructure and resource projects like the Ring of Fire, despite significant concerns from First Nations and environmental groups.
Doug Ford's Bill 5 is now law in Ontario. Here's what happens next
OntarioChiefs of OntarioGovernment of OntarioAbram BenedictDoug FordStephen LecceVic FedeliBusinessTrade policyMining regulationNatural resource managementCabinetsLegislationLawsRegulatory agencies
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Ontario's controversial Bill 5, the 'Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act,' has received Royal Assent, granting the government broad powers to create 'special economic zones' exempt from provincial laws and municipal bylaws, aiming to fast-track major infrastructure and resource projects like the Ring of Fire, despite significant concerns from First Nations and environmental groups.
Trending- 1 Thursday (June 5, 2025): Bill 5 received Royal Assent, becoming law.
- 2 Last Monday (June 2, 2025): First Ministers Meeting in Saskatoon.
- 3 June 17-19, 2025: Chiefs of Ontario annual assembly (Ford invited).
- 4 Friday (June 6, 2025): Carney's Liberals tabled the One Canadian Economy Act.
- 5 Currently (June 2025): Focus shifts to how Ford's government will use its new powers and ongoing consultations.
- 6 Months to come: Watch for provincial government's push to fast-track Ring of Fire, potential federal backing, and use of powers regarding endangered species and landfill expansion.
- Government gains broad powers to override provincial laws and municipal bylaws in special economic zones.
- Potential fast-tracking of major projects like the Ring of Fire.
- Significant concerns and potential 'resistance, on the ground, and in the courts' from First Nations and conservation groups.
- Aims to attract global investment to Ontario.
- Revisions to the Mining Act to shorten approval processes.
- Potential for federal backing for 'nation-building projects.'
- Uncertainty regarding specific exemptions and environmental protections.
What: Ontario's Bill 5, granting broad powers to create special economic zones and exempt projects from provincial laws, has become law.
When: Bill 5 received Royal Assent on Thursday (June 5, 2025), article published 2025-06-08.
Where: Ontario, Ring of Fire (500 km northeast of Thunder Bay, Treaty 9 territory), Queen's Park, Saskatoon, James Bay, Toronto, Dresden (southwestern Ontario).
Why: To speed up major infrastructure and resource projects, shore up Ontario's economy against tariffs, and attract investment.
How: The government can create special economic zones, exempt projects from laws, and revise the Mining Act. Consultations with First Nations are promised but met with skepticism.