Ontario avoids public hearings on bills; one would boost education minister’s powers

Ontario and Manitoba struck draft agreements with the federal government this week to streamline reviews for major projects, as part of a larger push by Prime Minister Mark Carney to fast-track resource development and infrastructure building in the face of U.S. trade uncertainty.The co-operation agreements will allow the provinces to take the lead role in environmental assessment and Indigenous consultation for major projects – a significant devolution of authority from Ottawa to the provinces.