By Jamie Hyland, MiningIR
In a significant development for Canada’s resource sector, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a sweeping new policy on Friday to streamline the federal approval process for major mining and infrastructure projects. Speaking at a press conference following a meeting with Canada’s 13 premiers at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Carney introduced the “one project, one review” initiative—aimed at eliminating federal-provincial duplication and accelerating project development timelines.
“We will eliminate federal duplicative requirements by recognizing provincial assessments for major projects, the so-called mutual recognition. So, one project, one review, and we will work with the provinces and other stakeholders, Indigenous groups, to identify projects of national significance and accelerate the time frame to build them,” — Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister, told reporters in Ottawa.
The new framework signals a pro-development stance from the federal government, particularly toward Canada’s strategically vital mining sector. The country is rich in critical minerals—such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements—necessary for the global energy transition, yet projects often face years-long delays due to regulatory hurdles. The “mutual recognition” policy would effectively allow provincial environmental assessments to suffice in lieu of redundant federal reviews, expediting approvals for nationally significant developments.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, a vocal advocate for mining development in the province, welcomed the announcement. “This is a game-changer,” Ford said. “We need to get shovels in the ground and bring jobs to the North. The Ring of Fire has been sitting there for over a decade—this new process can finally get it moving.”
The Ring of Fire—a mineral-rich region in Northern Ontario—was a major focus during Friday’s discussions. Containing vast deposits of nickel, copper, chromite, and other essential metals, the region has long been touted as key to Canada’s critical mineral strategy. However, a complex web of regulatory reviews, infrastructure challenges, and Indigenous consultation has delayed development. With the new “one project, one review” model, stakeholders hope projects in the Ring of Fire can gain momentum, particularly with provincial and federal governments now pledging better coordination and faster decision-making.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith also expressed support, emphasizing the need for streamlined reviews across all provinces. “We welcome anything that cuts red tape and gets projects built faster,” she said. “This is about making Canada competitive again.”
The meeting in Ottawa also saw premiers push for further action to remove interprovincial trade barriers, with several leaders calling for Canada to strengthen its internal economic resilience. Carney’s announcement, while focused on project approvals, was framed as part of a broader strategy to build national competitiveness and foster greater economic unity.
Mining companies and investors alike will be watching closely for further details and implementation timelines in the weeks ahead. If executed effectively, the “one project, one review” approach could mark a turning point for resource development in Canada—one that balances environmental responsibility with the urgency of economic and strategic needs.
