Dear Minister Clark - This…

Dear Minister Clark - This may be one of the few communiques that you receive that supports the use of MZOs in very particular circumstances. I believe that the process as outlined has merit and benefits. However, as always, the details matter very much. MZOs must be utilized with all the bureaucratic restrictions that have been put in place to prevent any abuse of power. I do not believe that this was done with regard to the MZO which was decreed in order to facilitate the approval of the Xinyi floating glass plant in Stratford. I also believe that the Minister was led to understand that all the required processes and transparencies by Stratford, its mayor and its City Council were observed and practised. This was clearly not the case. I, personally, do not believe that the project's purported benefits outweigh its potentially devastating impact on the cultural and artistic jewel that is Stratford. To allow the building of two large industrial plants, each with its own 320' smokestack, within the city limits, is grossly shortsighted and irresponsible. I will not say anything further about the merits of the project since I think the Minister's sole responsibility, at this time, is to ensure that all the required political safeguards in the application were carried out. I would be very grateful if the Minister were to investigate further the MZO application, process and granting as it applies to Stratford and the Xinyi project. In addition to examining the application by Stratford's mayor and City Council, it would restore significant trust in the MZO as a tool to expedite industrial investment in Ontario, if the Minister were also to look at any other political interference and/or business lobbying. Thank you.