Bill 5: Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025

The bill most directly affects businesses in Ontario's mining and energy sectors — think exploration companies staking claims in Northern Ontario, mine developers seeking permits, electricity generators, gas distributors, and their equipment and service suppliers. Mining companies will benefit from a new expedited permitting process with dedicated government delivery teams and prescribed service standards, but could also face ministerial orders suspending their mining claims or prospector's licences without notice if deemed necessary for supply chain protection. Energy sector suppliers and contractors whose goods or services originate from certain foreign countries may be barred from procurement contracts with the IESO, Ontario Power Generation, gas utilities, and licensed electricity companies, which will force affected vendors to demonstrate Canadian or approved-origin sourcing. Developers and construction firms working on transit, housing, healthcare, or other infrastructure projects in Ontario may benefit from archaeological and environmental assessment exemptions, as well as potential designation within special economic zones where municipal by-laws and provincial regulations can be waived or modified. Business size matters most for mining proponents — larger operators are more likely to be designated for the expedited permitting teams, while smaller prospectors face risk of licence termination without compensation.