Dear Minister Lecce, Honourable Chair & Members of the Standing Committee:

The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce represents over 800 member companies and their 20,000+ employees in all sizes and sectors of business.  I am writing to share our comments regarding Bill 5: The Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025.

We recognize and commend the Government’s commitment to advancing responsible economic development, especially in unlocking the vast potential of critical minerals in Northern Ontario. The current regulatory framework – where it can take 10 to 20 years to bring a mine into operation – poses a significant barrier to investment and limits the region’s ability to generate jobs and prosperity for our communities, our province, and the country as a whole. To fully realize this strategic opportunity, it is crucial to streamline these processes in a way that respects environmental stewardship and strengthens Indigenous economic reconciliation.  To support this objective, we recommend that the Government extend the second reading timeframe for Bill 5.

Bill 5 proposes positive steps forward through the creation of a Mine Authorization and Permitting Delivery Team (MAPDT) which will implement a “one project, one window” approach that includes the execution of service standards for the authorization of permits once they are submitted.  To ensure its success, it is vital that MAPDT have a clear and legally defined mandate that provides sufficient authority to coordinate and enforce timelines across Ministries.  Moreover, this team must be equipped with adequate financial and human resources – including expertise in environmental and Indigenous affairs – to ensure that speed never comes at the expense of thoroughness.

We have witnessed the positive social and economic impacts that occur when First Nations and businesses work together to form partnerships that are built on trust, respect and mutual benefit.  It is imperative that development processes are grounded in respectful engagement and authentic collaboration, explicitly acknowledging Indigenous rights and advancing shared prosperity.  We are pleased to see the recent budget increases to programs that support Indigenous communities’ investment in development projects and improve capacity for engagement in meaningful consultation. 

We share the Government’s commitment to realizing the full economic potential of Northern Ontario. We believe this goal is best achieved through enhanced efficiency and accountability, which are essential to building public trust and securing a sustainable and prosperous future.