Ontario passed legislation this week aimed at streamlining the approval process for new mines despite criticism from the Opposition NDP and others about the lack of consultation with First Nations over extensive new powers granted to the government.
The Ford government says the Building More Mines Act — also known as Bill 71 — will attract more investment in mining and strengthen Ontario’s supply chain.
“It shouldn’t take 15 years to open a mine,” Minister of Mines George Pirie said in a statement. “We need to get building.”