While I fully support…

While I fully support eliminating duplication (but not due diligence or scrutiny) from approvals, and while I fully support protecting sovereignty by stopping foreign companies from accessing our natural resources, I am extremely concerned that Bill 5 puts the decision-making power in the hands of the Minister, rather than entrusting it to law. This erosion of democracy in Ontario is extremely upsetting. Decisions about the environment, human health and resource sovereignty should not be concentrated in the hands of a few ministers. I am also concerned that this bill will have a negative affect, or may eliminate entirely, proper consultation with local citizens, including First Nations.

As you have introduced this bill while Ontarians were busy with the federal election, recovering from an ice storm, and overwhelmed with threats from the U.S., I respectfully ask that you extend the comment period to give Ontarians a chance to understand and debate the bill.