Bill 5 would allow the…

Bill 5 would allow the government to put regulations in place to create zones where “trusted proponents” and “designated projects” are exempt from provincial and municipal rules. The Ring of Fire is identified as one of these zones.

It is problematic that there are no limits on the size, location or identity of the areas and businesses or projects that the government could choose to designate as Special Economic Zones — and remarkably the government may decide this without a vote in the legislature. Given the history of the Greenbelt political controversy favouring a select group of developers, it would be prudent for the government to define terms clearly, to ensure transparency and include public consultation in selection of trusted proponents and designated projects in Bill 5.

The lack of detail and clarity in this legislation raises significant concerns about the potential for provincial interference in local decision-making and lack of attention to environmental requirements such as rules regarding water and ecological conservation, as well as sustainable growth and development. Please remedy these omissions.