MCSWEENY: Surface mining must be part of Ontario's vision

Article content

The Ontario government made a transformative announcement last week with the introduction of Bill 5, the Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act.

This legislation is designed to safeguard the province’s economic future and is a positive development for Ontario job creators, skilled trades, and global investors seeking a stable market in which to grow. As executive director of the Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (OSSGA), I welcome the government’s focus on strengthening Ontario’s economic resilience in the face of looming tariffs and trade uncertainty.

Ontario is one of the most resource-rich jurisdictions in the world — from the stone, sand and gravel that form the foundation of our infrastructure, to the critical minerals in the north that fuel the technologies of tomorrow. Bill 5 recognizes this potential by proposing a more efficient approval process, reducing red tape, and accelerating responsible development — all while maintaining environmental safeguards for which Canada is globally respected. Similar to other mining, securing a licence for a pit or quarry can take between five and 12 years and cost upwards of $10 million. This is not sustainable and places the industry in an uncompetitive position.

To truly unlock the potential that Premier Doug Ford is looking for in the Ring of Fire and critical infrastructure projects, surface mining must be part of the equation.

Stone, sand and gravel are Ontario’s original critical minerals. They are the literal building blocks of our homes, hospitals, schools, and roads. Our industry produces hundreds of millions of tonnes of essential construction materials every year, creating well-paying jobs and supporting economic growth.

Bill 5’s commitment to reduce review times by up to 50% is a welcome move. If applied to the aggregate sector, this could help meet growing demand, reduce infrastructure delays, and shield taxpayers from rising construction costs — especially in a climate of escalating tariffs and supply chain disruptions.

Beyond aggregates, Bill 5’s focus on critical minerals like nickel, cobalt and copper reflects an important strategic shift and vision. These minerals are indispensable to industries like EV manufacturing, clean energy, and aerospace. With global demand skyrocketing and new tariffs threatening North American supply chains, Ontario is well-positioned to lead. But the same logic applies to aggregates: Access to close-to-market, high-quality construction materials is vital for infrastructure investment and housing affordability across Ontario.

The government’s commitment to working with First Nations is another important feature of this legislation. Inclusive and sustainable development cannot happen without meaningful Indigenous engagement. OSSGA supports these efforts and is committed to working alongside Indigenous communities and all stakeholders to ensure development leads to shared prosperity.

Ford and his government have a vision to make Ontario the best location for new investment among its G7 counterparts. Bill 5 is a concrete step toward making Ontario a more competitive, resilient and attractive place to invest and do business. But its success depends on ensuring that all resource sectors — including aggregates — are included in this vision.

Our industry already supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and contributes billions to the provincial economy. We are grateful for this visionary thinking. The road ahead will require continued focus on innovation, workforce development, and streamlining government processes.

OSSGA stands ready to work with the province to ensure that Ontario’s natural resources — from the Ring of Fire to the pits and quarries that support our daily lives — can truly power our economy.

Let’s seize this opportunity to ensure Bill 5 delivers on its full promise — for all of Ontario’s critical resources.

— Michael McSweeny is Executive Director of the Ontario Stone Sand and Gravel Association