I am against Bill 5 and am…

I am against Bill 5 and am concerned about its impacts in this proposal.

I understand the need to streamline the process to reduce administrative burden. However, I caution this proposal being passed without considering all impacts of Bill 5. If Bill 5 is enacted, it will go well beyond mining regulation. It will amend or repeal key statutes which are important components of Ontario’s environmental law framework. Bill 5 in its entirety will have negative environmental impacts and negative impacts on engagement/consultation. I'd rather see this proposal strengthen what Bill 5 seeks to remove. I cannot support this proposal on its own.

Environmental assessments and monitoring should not be foregone by trying to streamline the process. The environment is what we need to take care of most. If there's no healthy environment, there will be nothing to mine, no healthy people to do the mining, and thus negative impacts on the economy, etc.

The public, stakeholders, and Indigenous People also still should be allowed a voice. Bill 5 will eliminate those voices.

Lines like this in the proposal "It is not anticipated that this proposal will have regulatory impacts on the mining sector or the general public in this stage of the proposal." are not taking into account the rest of Bill 5 and, thus, are misleading statements. If passed, there will be regulatory impacts and impacts on the general public. I would appreciate the proposal being more honest and upfront about the proposed changes.

I urge the government to look at the full picture of Bill 5 and not just push through individual proposals. I do not support Bill 5 and, thus, and concerned about this proposal.