Ontario proposes law to speed up business permits

Ontario has proposed a law to speed up the permits that businesses need from government. The government introduced the Building Ontario Faster Act, 2026, on October 27, and says it would eliminate nearly 220,000 days’ worth of permit processing time. The bill is proposed, not yet law.

Central to the plan are business-facing permits, the approvals that firms must get from the province. The government is reviewing all 375 over three years, aiming to eliminate, streamline or transform 35% to 50% by the end of 2028. In the first year, it says, it has reviewed 51% and changed 65% of those reviewed.

Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce said the province will streamline or remove more than half of the requirements and permits for opening or expanding a mine.

The bill builds on three earlier laws, including the Protect Ontario by Cutting Red Tape Act, 2025. Whether it passes, and when, is not yet known.

Sources: Government of Ontario