Proposed amendments to the…

Proposed amendments to the Mining Act 1990, Electricity Act 1998, and Ontario Energy Board Act 1998, to protect Ontario’s Economy and Build a More Prosperous Ontario. (ERO number 025-0409)

1. I object to the proposed amendments to the Mining Act as outlined in the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025 (Bill 5).

The proposed bill seeks to exempt key projects, including the Eagle’s Nest Mine, from the reviews mandated by the Environmental Assessment Act. This exemption would unjustifiably terminate the environmental assessments currently required for such projects, thus eliminating the opportunity for a comprehensive analysis of potential risks to water, wildlife, and human health.

Additionally, Bill 5 aims to weaken the oversight of mining activities by amending the purposes of the Mining Act. The proposed changes emphasize the "protection of Ontario’s economy" but fail to include a commitment to safeguarding public health and the environment. Furthermore, the bill seeks to expedite the permitting process, prioritizing speed over thorough and comprehensive reviews of mine permit applications.

These amendments would dismantle or undermine crucial legal protections that are essential for the preservation of our environment, the well-being of our communities, and the rights of Indigenous peoples.

In light of these concerns, I urge you to reconsider the implications of Bill 5 and recommend that Bill 5 be withdrawn to protect the interests of the public and the environment.

2. I object to the amendments proposed in Bill 5 to the Electricity Act, 1998, and the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998.

The proposed amendments seek to extinguish causes of action against the Crown, IESO, OPG, and related entities, creating excessive limitations on liability. The language used is so vague that it effectively shields these entities from accountability for actions that may involve misfeasance or bad faith, particularly concerning since IESO and OPG are not Crown agents.

These amendments undermine the principles of accountability and transparency essential to the rule of law. The shift from a "good faith" standard to a broader one erodes legal recourse for citizens, fostering a culture of impunity that could diminish public trust in government.

I am deeply concerned that the proposed amendments to the Electricity Act, 1998, and the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998, may grant the Minister the authority to undermine renewable energy initiatives. Such changes could significantly hinder Ontario's efforts to transition away from fossil gas plants, which are reliant on U.S. fracked gas, ultimately making this critical shift more challenging and costly for our province.

I urge the Province to withdraw these amendments, as they threaten the rule of law and accountability. Thank you for considering my objections.