I am writing to express…

I am writing to express grave concern and opposition to the proposed amendments to the Mining Act (1990), Electricity Act (1998), and Ontario Energy Board Act (1998) as outlined in the “Protect Ontario’s Economy and Build a More Prosperous Ontario” initiative. While the name of the legislation suggests progress and prosperity, these changes risk eroding public oversight, weakening environmental protections, and undermining Indigenous rights in the name of deregulation.

The proposed amendments to the **Mining Act** appear designed to fast-track mineral exploration and development by reducing consultation requirements and environmental assessments. This is particularly troubling in ecologically sensitive areas and Indigenous territories, where careful, community-driven planning is essential. Resource extraction must not be prioritized over the health of ecosystems or the rights of Indigenous Nations to free, prior, and informed consent.

Changes to the Electricity Act and Ontario Energy Board Act threaten to centralize decision-making further, weaken local input, and allow the expansion of energy infrastructure, such as transmission lines and generation projects, without adequate public or environmental scrutiny. This would enable decisions to be made behind closed doors, with long-term consequences for energy affordability, climate commitments, and public trust.

Economic growth should not come at the cost of transparency, sustainability, or democratic participation. I urge the Government of Ontario to reject these amendments and instead pursue a path that strengthens public engagement, protects natural resources, and ensures that economic development benefits all Ontarians, not just industry stakeholders.