Ontario Outlines $3.1 Billion Plan for Indigenous Partnerships in Mining Sector
The Government of Ontario announced on May 21, 2025, that it plans to invest nearly $3.1 billion to support Indigenous partnerships in the critical mineral sector as part of the 2025 provincial budget. According to the province, the funding is intended to increase participation, partnership, and ownership by Indigenous communities in mineral development across Ontario.
This announcement includes measures affecting several communities in northern Ontario, such as Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, North Bay, Timmins, and the Ring of Fire region. According to the province, these areas have significant mineral reserves, including nickel, titanium, copper, cobalt, and lithium.
The province's proposal expands the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program by increasing available loan guarantees to $3 billion and widening eligibility to investments beyond the electricity sector. This expansion will now include mining, critical minerals, resource development, energy, and pipelines, according to the government.
Ontario also stated that an additional $70 million, to be spent over four years, will go to the Indigenous Participation Fund. The province said this funding will help Indigenous communities and organizations take part in regulatory processes connected to mineral exploration and mine development projects.
Another budget item allocates $10 million over three years for scholarships aimed at First Nations postsecondary students who are interested in resource development careers.
These initiatives are detailed in the 2025 Ontario Budget and are connected to recently introduced legislation, including the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025, and the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act, 2025.
Several stakeholders responded to the announcement. Mark Podlasly, CEO of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, said the expansion of the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program aligns with the coalition’s efforts to help members build equity ownership and long-term prosperity. Peggy Domingue, Executive Director of the Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association, stated that the funding to strengthen Indigenous participation and new scholarships will help communities build skills and infrastructure for resource development. Clint Davis, CEO of Cedar Leaf Capital Inc., commented that the initiatives provide tools for Indigenous communities, businesses, and people to take part in major resource projects.
Further information can be found in the Ontario 2025 Budget, released on May 15, 2025.