To the Point for the Week of June 8, 2025
To the Point for the Week of June 8, 2025
To all the dads, grandfathers, father figures, and mentors out there—Happy Father’s Day weekend! Whether you’re offering guidance, support, or love, your presence matters more than you know. We are keeping it brief this week, so you have more time to barbeque, put your feet up, and enjoy cold libations with the people you care about the most.
As we hit the halfway mark of 2025, we examine whether Premier Ford has backed up six months of strong rhetoric with action by assessing the volume of legislative initiatives compared to previous sessions that followed an election. Is it enough? Is more on the way?
FORD’S BIG PUSH
The last six months represent the fiercest we’ve seen the Premier, arguably more so than during the COVID pandemic. He has blended defiance, nationalism, and the promise of robust action with the speed necessary to meet the moment. If the volume of legislative initiatives and amendments during this Spring session is any indication, the Premier followed through.
The government passed ten pieces of legislation, including four omnibus bills. It’s the most passed by Ford in a single session since he became Premier in 2018. The government also enacted 11 new laws and amended an additional 54.
This Spring session stands out not just for the number of government bills passed, but also for the sheer volume of amendments—especially when compared to the sessions that immediately followed an election. The legislative session following the 2022 election saw five major bills pass, two of which were omnibus. After the 2018 election, six major bills received Royal Assent. Those sessions brought 25 and 30 legislative amendments, respectively.
It’s a strong example of legislative management to get this much done in such a short period of time. The Premier backed up his words with action and deserves credit for that—particularly for holding the line in the face of staunch opposition to the most consequential bills.
Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, was the largest and most controversial piece of legislation. It gave the government sweeping powers to designate special economic zones where it can exempt projects from provincial laws and municipal bylaws, fast-track mining and infrastructure approvals, and alter environmental protections and endangered species safeguards. The Act amended 20 laws and created four new ones.
Bill 17, Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, came in second. It amended twelve statutes and created two new ones aimed at accelerating housing, infrastructure, and transit development. The bill streamlines planning approvals, reduces procedural requirements for municipalities, and expands ministerial powers over land use and development.
These were enormous pieces of legislation with far-reaching changes. Ford faced considerable pushback from a range of stakeholders, most notably Indigenous and municipal leaders. The Premier has been known to reverse course under pressure (bike lanes, anyone?). It seemed at one point he might amend Bill 5 to placate Indigenous groups. But recognizing the economic urgency, the government powered through and made no amendments to either bill.
The effort to push this volume of legislation through in one session is undeniably a political and legislative achievement. But it raises an important question: is it enough?
The short answer is no, but it’s a start. The economy and housing market are in no state where the government can dust off its hands and declare victory. The Premier has set high expectations coming out of the election and has afforded himself significant political capital to safeguard against the worst-case scenarios resulting from President Trump’s tariffs. Ford must not deviate from the current course. In fact, he should double down.
This should not only come in the form of additional legislative measures, which we anticipate will be introduced at pace in the Fall sitting. The real test will come in how these laws are implemented and whether they unlock new economic activity, result in shovels in the ground, or simply set the stage for a new round of regulatory and legal challenges.
Don’t waver, Premier. The province’s future is depending on it.
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To the Point – ONpoint Strategy Group's weekly roundup – cuts through the noise to deliver insight and analysis of key federal, provincial, and municipal stories shaping Canada's policy and political landscape. Designed for decision-makers and thought leaders, this newsletter is your go-to resource for staying ahead. Share these trusted insights with your network to spark meaningful conversations. Simply hit forward or follow ONpoint Strategy Group on X and LinkedIn to spread these valuable perspectives."
About ONpoint Strategy Group:
ONpoint Strategy Group is all about helping clients make an impact where it counts. Specializing in government relations and strategic execution, our team—Nico Fidani-Diker, Mariana Di Rezze, Krystle Caputo, David Morgado, Christopher Mourtos, Ellen Gouchman, and Brandon Falcone—works closely with clients to navigate complex political landscapes and bring their goals to life. With a practical, results-driven approach, we build strong relationships, craft winning strategies, and make sure every step brings clients closer to meaningful outcomes. We’re passionate about making sure our clients are heard, supported, and positioned for success.
