TORONTO — The Ontario government is moving to strengthen environmental protections and accelerate housing development with the reintroduction of the Resource Management and Safety Act, 2025. Unveiled today by the Ministry of Natural Resources, the proposed legislation aims to modernize wildfire prevention, address hazardous oil and gas wells, support housing growth by attracting more land surveyors, and regulate geologic carbon storage technology.
“This legislation takes a comprehensive approach to speeding up the building of homes and other critical infrastructure while protecting the environment and public safety,” said Minister of Natural Resources Mike Harris. “By adopting innovative technologies and cutting red tape, we’re not only creating good jobs and helping industries succeed—we’re ensuring Ontario thrives in a challenging global economy.”
I’m proud to reintroduce the Resource Management and Safety Act, 2025.
This legislation reflects our commitment to building resilient, safe, and innovative communities that are prepared to meet the growing challenges of wildfires and hazardous oil and gas wells. pic.twitter.com/3WKBGvbhE8
— Mike Harris (@mikeharrisjrpc) May 28, 2025
Key Measures in the Legislation
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Wildfire Prevention Upgrades: The Forest Fires Prevention Act would be modernized to require detailed wildland fire management plans and introduce stronger penalties for violations, aimed at reducing the number of human-caused fires.
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Hazardous Well Response: Amendments to the Oil, Gas, and Salt Resources Act would give the ministry power to intervene immediately in public safety situations—such as bankruptcies or deaths involving hazardous wells—and recover the costs of emergency action.
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Land Surveying Reforms: Changes to the Surveyors Act, which has not been substantially updated since 1987, would help attract more land surveyors and incorporate modern business practices to meet the province’s housing and infrastructure needs.
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Geologic Carbon Storage Framework: A new Geologic Carbon Storage Act would regulate the underground storage of captured carbon dioxide (CO₂), supporting industries in reducing emissions by 5 to 7 million tonnes annually while potentially generating 4,000 short-term jobs and saving Ontario industries nearly $1 billion per year.
The announcement comes at a time when Ontario continues to experience increased wildfire activity, with 480 fires and nearly 90,000 hectares burned during the 2024 season. At the same time, economic and climate pressures are forcing governments to find solutions that balance environmental stewardship with development.
“The prevention of wildland fires is essential to the vitality of our forest industry and the safety of communities that depend on it,” said Associate Minister of Forestry Kevin Holland. “By strengthening prevention and preparedness, we are safeguarding jobs and protecting critical building materials.”
The proposed legislation would also support Ontario’s position in the global carbon management sector. Carbon capture and storage is gaining international momentum, with nearly 400 global projects in various stages of development as of 2023, according to the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute.
“Geologic carbon storage offers a significant opportunity for Ontario,” said Parliamentary Assistant Dawn Gallagher Murphy. “We are enhancing our competitiveness and driving economic growth while ensuring public safety.”
The Ministry of Natural Resources will continue consultations with Indigenous communities, stakeholders, and industry to shape regulations supporting the proposed legislative framework.
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