Ford Sets Criteria for ‘Special Economic Zones’ that Fast-Track Projects

Ford sets criteria for ‘special economic zones’ that fast-track projects

Months after being introduced under Bill 5, the Ford government has finally released the rules for the “special economic zones” that designate where projects deemed “strategically important to Ontario’s economy” can be fast-tracked. Projects designated under the legislation can bypass all provincial laws and municipal bylaws.

Ontario moving ahead with special economic zones in 2026 despite pushback

First Nations’ court challenges are also progressing

Ontario introduces regulation for Special Economic Zones to accelerate major projects

The Ontario government says a new regulation establishing criteria for Special Economic Zones will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, as part of its plan to protect the province’s economy and accelerate job-creating projects. The regulation, developed following consultations with Indigenous communities and stakeholders across Ontario, sets out criteria to designate Special Economic Zones, trusted proponents and projects considered strategically i…

Ontario protecting workers through special economic zones

New regulation follows broad consultation, including with Indigenous communities, and will significantly speed up approvals for major projects that will protect Ontario’s economy TORONTO, Canada — As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy, the province’s new regulation for criteria to designate Special Economic Zones, trusted proponents and projects will come into effec…

Ontario - Province Protecting Workers Through Special Economic Zones

As part of the government's plan to protect Ontario by building a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant economy, the province's new regulation for criteria to designate Special Econom. . .

Ontario's Special Economic Zones Come Into Effect On January 1

ONTARIO- The province’s new regulation for criteria to designate Special Economic Zones, trusted proponents and projects will come into effect on January 1, 2026. Officials say this was informed by consultations with Indigenous communities and stakeholders across Ontario, the regulation supports the advancement of job-creating investments and projects that are of strategic and critical importance to Ontario’s economic security and delivers on th…