“This is more than a resource development plan; it’s a vision for resilience, security, and shared prosperity” Says Minister Charmaine Williams
Premier Doug Ford announced Ontario’s ambitious plan to advance strategic resource development, including critical minerals from the Ring of Fire region, as part of the province’s commitment to Fortress Am-Can, a revitalized alliance between Canada and the United States. This initiative aims to bolster stability, security, and long-term economic prosperity on both sides of the border.
The Fortress Am-Can strategy emphasizes Ontario’s unique position as a critical supplier of minerals essential for advanced technologies, including electric vehicles, batteries, and military equipment. The plan highlights the urgent need to decouple from Chinese supply chains and strengthen American-Canadian partnerships through a robust critical mineral security alliance.
“Ontario and Canada have critical minerals in abundance, and America needs them,” said Premier Doug Ford. “China is dominating these resources while restricting exports to the U.S. This is our moment to ensure our critical minerals are mined, processed, and delivered to power the technologies of the future.”
Comments from Minister Charmaine Williams
Minister Charmaine Williams expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting the economic and social benefits it brings to communities across Ontario. “This plan represents an incredible opportunity to create good-paying jobs, strengthen our economy, and secure a brighter future for all Ontarians,” said Minister Williams. “By fostering partnerships with Indigenous communities and prioritizing sustainable development, Ontario is setting the gold standard for resource development in Canada.”
Minister Williams also emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving these goals. “When Ontario works hand-in-hand with communities, businesses, and our international allies, we unlock unprecedented potential. This is more than a resource development plan; it’s a vision for resilience, security, and shared prosperity.”
Key Measures to Build Fortress Am-Can:
- Establishing the Am-Can Critical Mineral Security Alliance to strengthen bilateral supply chains and expand processing capacity.
- Accelerating regulatory approval timelines for critical mineral projects with a streamlined “one project-one process” permitting approach, ensuring Indigenous consultation and equity participation.
- Designating regions like the Ring of Fire as areas of strategic national importance, with expedited approvals for development.
- Enhancing infrastructure development, including roads and highways, to support critical mineral extraction and processing facilities.
- Collaborating with the U.S. Department of Defense to align investments with shared national security objectives.
- Forming a cross-border working group to promote mineral price stability and sustainability for critical development projects.
Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy is already creating a made-in-Ontario supply chain to meet global demand for minerals vital to the technologies of tomorrow. Through this initiative, the province is creating jobs, boosting economic growth, and positioning itself as a key partner to the United States in achieving resource security.
“Ontario’s abundant resources and robust mining industry are essential to Fortress Am-Can,” said George Pirie, Minister of Mines. “By developing our critical minerals, we will unlock unprecedented growth and economic opportunity for both nations.”
Ontario remains committed to building consensus and fostering economic reconciliation with First Nations. The strategy includes equity participation and consultation to ensure First Nations communities are integral to Ontario’s prosperity.
“Together with First Nations partners, we are unlocking unparalleled growth,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation. “This partnership is central to our government’s vision for a more prosperous Ontario.”
“In today’s interconnected world, Fortress Am-Can highlights the importance of integrated supply chains and resilient infrastructure,” said Stephen Crawford, Associate Minister of Mines. “Ontario is cementing its role as a global leader in critical minerals and a trusted ally to the United States.”
- The U.S. and Canada are each other’s largest trading partners, generating trillions of dollars in economic activity annually.
- The Ring of Fire region in Northern Ontario contains vast reserves of critical minerals essential for emerging technologies.
- Ontario’s Critical Minerals Strategy aligns with North America’s push to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains.