I am extremely concerned by…

I am extremely concerned by the erosion of democracy in Ontario. Decisions, especially those that affect our environment, human health and human rights, should not be concentrated in the hands of a few ministers.

Bill 5 is particularly concerning. It doesn't even try to pretend to be anything other than a power grab. It would enable favoured developers to put human health, native species, our environment, heritage, and human rights (especially Indigenous peoples’ rights, workers’ rights and the rights of marginalized people) at extreme risk.

The government actions described in Bill 5 will set Ontario up for countless lawsuits, wasting tax dollars. This is unconscionable, especially when your government is running such a high deficit and at a time when people will need our social safety net.

As you have introduced this bill while Ontarians were busy with the federal election, are recovering from an ice storm, and are being bombarded 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.