Ontario to Designate Ring of Fire as Special Economic Zone in Rapid Push, Says Premier Ford
Ontario moves to fast-track Ring of Fire development amid protests and Indigenous concerns.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced plans to move forward with making the mineral-rich Ring of Fire region a designated special economic zone, with the goal of accelerating development in northern Ontario. Speaking at a press event in Toronto, Ford emphasized that the province is pushing to enact the designation "as quickly as possible," pointing to the area's significant potential for mining and economic growth.
This initiative comes on the heels of the provincial government’s recent passage of Bill 5, legislation that enables Ontario to suspend certain provincial and municipal regulations ahead of designating special economic zones. According to Ford, he and several cabinet ministers will embark on a summer-long consultation process with affected First Nations communities to discuss how the new law will be implemented and what it means for their lands and interests.
The legislation is intended to cut red tape and fast-track large-scale projects, particularly mining operations, in areas deemed crucial for Ontario’s economic future. The Ring of Fire—which contains valuable deposits of nickel, chromite, and other minerals vital for electric vehicle batteries—has long been seen as a strategic asset by both the provincial and federal governments.
However, the move has sparked intense backlash from many First Nations leaders and community members. They argue that Bill 5 undermines their rights and bypasses meaningful consultation. In recent weeks, First Nations have organized protests across Ontario, including at Queen’s Park, voicing concerns that the law will erode environmental protections and override their say in the decision-making process on lands they consider traditional territory.
Environmental advocates have also raised alarms, warning that the bill may weaken safeguards for endangered and threatened species in the area. Critics contend that the new legislation opens the door to widespread development without adequate oversight or respect for ecological and Indigenous interests.
Despite these protests and the chorus of criticism, the province is pressing ahead with its plan. Premier Ford reiterated the government’s commitment to economic development and job creation in the North, stating that the Ring of Fire represents a "generational opportunity" that must be seized.