The report reveals that Ontario municipalities take an average of 23 months to review site plan applications—far exceeding the provincially mandated 60-day timeline.

Carney told reporters he expects the trade talks with the U.S. to "intensify" ahead of the Aug. 1 deadline to secure a new agreement.

The First Nations are asking the court for an injunction prohibiting the federal government from naming national interest projects and prohibiting Ontario from implementing special economic zones.

Removing barriers – for example, by harmonizing regulations across jurisdictions – would reduce costs, increase jobs and boost GDP.  

The total value of permits rose by $1.4 billion in May, with the permit for the construction of the South Niagara Hospital alone valued at more than $1 billion.