Game on: Ford’s Bill 5 becomes law in Ontario

By Tamer Elbokl, PhD – Quartex

Ontario’s truly “Big Beautiful” Bill 5, also called the “Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act 2025,” is now law. The government managed to pass the legislation before the summer recess began on June 9. The bill empowers the government (among other things) to create special economic zones, which will eventually accelerate mining development and create First Nations-led special economic zones such as for the Ring of Fire region north of Lake Superior.

Premier Doug Ford called it an opportunity of a lifetime. The new legislation aims to attract investment and strengthen regional economies by accelerating permitting and offering greater regulatory clarity — particularly for critical minerals like nickel, copper, and lithium — which could make Ontario a top destination for mining investment, creating jobs and fostering economic growth across the province.