Province Introducing Legislation to Protect Ontario by Building a More Competitive Economy

October 20, 2025

Ontario cutting red tape and speeding up approvals for major projects

TORONTO — Today, the Ontario government introduced the Building a More Competitive Economy Act and related initiatives that would, if passed, protect and strengthen the province’s economy by streamlining regulatory processes, championing local businesses, advancing labour mobility and increasing competitiveness. These measures will help build a resilient and self-sustaining economy that can withstand disruption and thrive in a rapidly changing world, while making Ontario the best place in the G7 to invest, do business and create jobs.

“This is about protecting Ontario’s competitive advantage because the status quo isn’t good enough,” said Andrea Khanjin, Minister of Red Tape Reduction. “We’re cutting red tape to make government work better for people and smarter for business, so there’s faster service with less paperwork. These changes are delivering on our plan to protect Ontario: our economy, our jobs and our future.”To ensure Ontario remains resilient, responsive and ready to lead in a rapidly changing global economy, the province is proposing a set of targeted reforms that include:

Supporting economic growth by reviewing all Ontario government economic development-focused permits by 2028, with the goal of eliminating or transforming 35 per cent or more to position the province as the leading G7 jurisdiction for investment, while maintaining robust health, safety and environmental protections.
Creating a centralized digital permitting system that streamlines how businesses apply for and monitor permits, reducing approval times, enhancing transparency and providing the certainty needed to invest and move projects forward.
Supporting worker mobility across Canada by expanding “as of right” provisions for Canadian workers licensed and credentialed in other provinces and territories, particularly health-care workers. Also moving forward with automatic recognition of credentials for doctors and nurses from the rest of Canada.
Undertaking updates to legislation and regulations, including streamlining forest management and municipal drinking water approvals processes and clarifying ministerial inspection powers by removing red tape, reducing administrative burden, while upholding Ontario’s rigorous environmental and safety standards.
Engaging in consultations on a Made-in-Ontario vehicle policy to strengthen supply chains and support the province’s auto industry by looking at how government, the broader public sector and municipal fleet purchases could help drive economic growth and create jobs in Ontario and Canada.

The Building a More Competitive Economy Act is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by putting in place conditions for long-term stability, resiliency and prosperity, with the ambition to make Ontario the most competitive place to do business while supporting businesses, workers, and communities. Throughout this process, the province will continue to uphold its Duty to Consult obligations.

Quick Facts

The Building a More Competitive Economy Act and related measures include 11 initiatives to improve labour mobility, streamline government processes for permits and approvals and create the most competitive business environment in the G7 to do business.
The Building a More Competitive Economy Act also includes initiatives to protect taxpayers by ending the use of municipal speed cameras and focusing on alternative traffic-calming measures such as speed bumps, speed cushions and roundabouts, as well as enhanced signage and education campaigns to keep Ontario among the safest jurisdictions in North America.

Quotes

“We’re taking bold action to strengthen Ontario’s economy and position our province as a leader in competitiveness and innovation. By advancing labour mobility and making it easier for skilled workers to get to work, we’re helping businesses grow, filling critical labour gaps, and building a more resilient, self-sustaining economy that works for everyone.”

– Hon. David Piccini
Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

“Our government is making health care more accessible to all Ontarians by cutting red tape and reducing bureaucratic delays, enabling more health care professionals to start working in the province sooner. This new legislation builds on our government’s historic action to reduce labour mobility barriers for health-care professionals within Canada, as well as making it faster and easier for American physicians and nurses to join the frontlines of our health care system.”

– Hon. Sylvia Jones
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health

“Ontario’s auto sector is a pillar of our economy and a source of pride for communities across the province. By prioritizing Ontario-made vehicles in government fleet purchases and supporting local businesses, we’re strengthening our supply chains, driving innovation, and creating good jobs for workers and families. The introduction of a centralized digital permitting system will not only streamline approvals and enhance transparency, but also help protect Ontario by ensuring that investments are made responsibly, projects move forward safely, and our communities remain strong and resilient. This Act is about safeguarding Ontario’s prosperity and building a future where our economy can thrive in the face of any challenge.”

– Hon. Stephen Crawford
Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement

“Our government is making it easier for forest managers to do business here in Ontario by streamlining approvals to save the forest industry time and money. This is another part of our plan to support forestry workers by building a stronger, more resilient forestry sector across the province.”

– Hon. Mike Harris
Minister of Natural Resources

“Ontario’s forestry sector is the backbone of communities across the province and a key driver of our economy. By cutting red tape and modernizing forest management approvals, we’re helping mills, harvesters, and operators spend less time on paperwork and more time getting logs moving and trucks on the road. This is about building a stronger, more competitive Ontario and keeping good jobs here at home.”

– Hon. Kevin Holland
Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products