The province would cut approval times for critical mineral projects by creating a single process, replacing duplicate processes involving multiple ministries and levels of government. The legislation also restricts “foreign state-owned or based companies” and gives the province power to cancel projects “on the basis of protecting the strategic national mineral supply chain.” (The Logic)

Talking point: Thursday’s move mirrors promises by both federal Liberal and Conservative candidates to replace some of Canada’s complex permitting process with a single review. It’s also likely to get the attention of the U.S. government, which just launched a probe into supply-chain vulnerabilities and foreign sources of critical minerals. Still, the Ontario government is under scrutiny amid lawsuits about Indigenous consultation and past clashes over endangered species. In a press release, the province promised to provide another $20 million for species conservation and fulfill its duty to consult Indigenous communities.