Ontario to remove internal trade barriers, expedite projects

Ontario plans to introduce new legislation aimed at eliminating internal trade barriers. The move is set to take place when the legislature resumes. This initiative is part of a broader effort by Canada’s leaders to unify and expedite major infrastructure projects. During a meeting at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Prime Minister Mark Carney and provincial Premiers discussed strategies to boost the economy. They emphasized the need for faster approvals of infrastructure projects as a way to reduce reliance on the U.S. economy. Carney highlighted the importance of a national agreement to facilitate the movement of goods and people without restrictions. Premier Doug Ford announced that he would push to remove trade barriers among provinces, similar to efforts by Nova Scotia. He believes this legislation will benefit all Canadians. Ford is also advocating for significant investment in major projects, including roads and mining infrastructure, particularly in the Ring of Fire region in northern Ontario. The Ring of Fire is rich in critical minerals and rare earth metals essential for technology and battery production. However, there has been little infrastructure development in the area, despite Ford's previous commitments. The construction of a road to access these resources has been delayed since 2018, and there are ongoing concerns from First Nations groups regarding resource extraction. Ford is urging the federal government to expedite the permitting process for projects in the Ring of Fire. He stated that delays must be minimized, as Canada has significant mineral resources that are in demand globally. Additionally, Ontario is looking for support to accelerate nuclear power plant projects. Ontario’s Finance Minister, Peter Bethlenfalvy, expressed frustration over the slow pace of federal approvals for construction projects. He called for a streamlined approval process that would make development more efficient. Bethlenfalvy highlighted the urgency to act on nation-building projects, emphasizing that the time for action is now.