MZO are a blunt instrument…

MZO are a blunt instrument overriding biodiversity conservation and protection, climate mitigation efforts, community priorities, official plans and more. Development projects NEED to consider the long-term environmental and community impact, not just the short term gain for few. There should be a requirement for publicizing each MZO under consideration and broad opportunities for consultation. Any order affecting important biodiversity values such as, but not limited to, a watershed, wetlands, forest corridor, migratory path and more must involve consulting with every community that would be affected along with appropriate experts.

The exclusions need to significantly broadened to include ALL areas protected by land trusts, conservation areas and other areas important for environmental protection, as well as Class A farmland. Other areas that should be excluded are significant cultural or heritage area, particularly relating to Indigenous peoples. No MZO should affect any such areas.

Any advisory group formed by the province should consist of scientists, academics and other experts who have no potential conflict of interest - thus excluding all developers and any group representing developers. Direct and indirect donors to the government in power during its election or while in power must be excluded.

Any proposed major project, such as a new highway, industrial area or residential area, must require a full environmental assessment along with a published business case from the Minister, in consultation with related Ministers. The project must not proceed if the environmental assessment or public review of the business case cannot be supported by independent experts, again with no conflict of interest involving the current government or any party that would financially benefit from approval.