Ontario’s green…

Ontario’s green infrastructure sector supports a wide range of skilled jobs across planning, design, manufacturing, construction, installation, and long-term maintenance. Many of these jobs are directly tied to site‑level performance measures that improve stormwater management, climate resilience, and infrastructure efficiency.
By shifting sustainable and performance‑based design measures from regulated requirements to voluntary considerations, Bill 98 introduces market uncertainty that may reduce demand for these skills and services. This could weaken an established sector that supports local employment, particularly at a time when demand for skilled construction and environmental professionals is already acute.
At a time of labour shortages across construction and infrastructure industries, policies that maintain stable demand for skilled, evidence‑based solutions are critical. Recognizing green infrastructure as essential infrastructure and not as an optional enhancement would better align Bill 98 with workforce and economic resilience objectives.
I encourage the Province to consider the employment implications of Bill 98 alongside housing delivery goals.