As it is currently written,…

As it is currently written, this Bill 5 threatens foundational elements of our democracy by allowing the Premier and Cabinet to be above provincial and municipal laws. “Special economic zones” can be created anywhere in Ontario by a Minister for any purpose, without any transparency around why this designation would be given. Bill 5 would also allow Ministers to choose corporations to work on projects, and these corporations would also be exempted from provincial and municipal laws. No government or corporation should be above the law, even in emergency situations.

We are living in a very difficult time where our economy and sovereignty are being threatened by the U.S. Administration. Prior to these threats, Ontarians were already struggling with affordability and the climate crisis. Instead of “protecting Ontario” as Premier Ford has promised, Bill 5 undermines Indigenous rights, workers’ rights, health and safety, environmental protections, and our democracy.

Please stop Bill 5. Instead, create legislation that responds to the challenges of our time without undermining our rights and democracy.