Ontario Invests C$3.1 Billion to Build Critical Minerals Supply Chain and Strengthen Indigenous Partnerships
Ontario is committing nearly C$3.1 billion through its 2025 budget, A Plan to Protect Ontario, to advance a domestically rooted critical minerals supply chain and deepen Indigenous partnerships in resource development. This strategic investment aims to create a more resilient and competitive economy while putting Indigenous collaboration at the core of the province’s growth.
Announced on May 21 by Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy, the funding is focused on unlocking Northern Ontario’s critical mineral reserves—vital for clean energy technologies such as batteries. “Ontario’s vast supply of critical minerals is at the heart of our plan,” said Bethlenfalvy. “By investing to unlock and process these resources here, in partnership with Indigenous communities, we can position Ontario as a global leader in critical mineral development.”
A key component of the initiative is the expansion of the Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program (formerly the Aboriginal Loan Guarantee Program), which will see its loan guarantees tripled to C$3 billion. The program will also expand beyond the electricity sector to support Indigenous participation in mining, critical minerals, energy, and pipeline projects—enabling equity ownership and direct involvement in major developments.
The budget also allocates C$70 million over four years to the rebranded Indigenous Participation Fund, supporting Indigenous communities in high mineral activity zones through regulatory capacity-building and enhanced consultation engagement.
In addition, C$10 million will be invested over three years to fund scholarships for First Nations postsecondary students pursuing careers in resource development, fostering the next generation of Indigenous leaders in the sector.
“This is about more than investment in minerals—it’s about building long-term partnerships and creating lasting opportunity,” said Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford. “We’re preparing Indigenous youth for careers in resource development, both on and in the ground.”
Energy and Mines Minister Stephen Lecce echoed the sentiment, calling the initiative a blueprint for revitalizing Northern Ontario: “We’re building the foundation for long-term prosperity by creating jobs, skills training, and opportunities for Indigenous communities to grow right where they live.”
Ontario’s announcement comes as global demand surges for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel—key components in batteries and green energy technologies.
