The passing of Bill 212,…

The passing of Bill 212, specifically the Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024 (RGSYTA) and the Building Highways Faster Act, 2024 (BHFA), is not just a misguided step toward ineffective transportation solutions; it represents an alarming overreach of provincial power and a total lack of accountability to the people of Ontario. Any MPP who votes in favor of this bill would be misusing their position and disregarding the principles of democracy and responsible governance.

1. Breach of Trust and Accountability
The provincial government’s push for this bill reflects a complete disregard for transparency, accountability, and the public’s trust. By granting the Minister of Transportation unchecked powers to override municipal bylaws, control property rights, and expedite projects without proper consultation or oversight, the government is effectively sidelining local communities and bypassing the voices of Ontarians. This is a blatant attempt to undermine democratic processes for the benefit of a few corporate interests, rather than the people who actually live and work in Ontario.

2. Disrespect for Municipal Democracy
Municipalities have the right to make decisions that affect their own communities. The Building Highways Faster Act strips municipalities of their power to protect local interests, creating a top-down, authoritarian approach to decision-making that disrespects the principles of local governance. This kind of provincial interference undermines the very foundation of democratic processes at the municipal level. The fact that this bill would bypass local bylaws, community planning, and citizen input shows an utter contempt for the role of municipalities in the democratic fabric of our province.

3. Misuse of Power and Potential Corruption
The powers granted to the Minister of Transportation under this bill are alarmingly broad and unchecked. The ability to expedite projects without due process, override local laws, and fast-track expropriation without judicial review opens the door to potential corruption and favoritism. Any MPP who supports this bill is complicit in a government that has shown no regard for the rule of law or public accountability. This bill does not just grant new powers; it creates an environment ripe for cronyism and backroom deals that undermine the interests of the taxpayers who fund these projects.

4. A Betrayal of Ontario Taxpayers
This bill is an outright betrayal of Ontario’s taxpayers. It sacrifices the public interest to line the pockets of private developers and corporate backers, all while sidestepping the needs of ordinary Ontarians. The claim that this will "reduce gridlock" is nothing more than a distraction—more highways will only lead to more congestion, increased emissions, and the further erosion of our natural landscapes. The people of Ontario deserve better than to have their tax dollars spent on projects that benefit only a few while harming the many.

5. A Violation of Property Rights
The proposal to remove property owners' ability to challenge expropriation under this bill is a direct attack on individual property rights. By removing the ability of citizens to seek justice through the courts, the government is setting a dangerous precedent that allows for the forced seizure of property without due process. This could set a chilling precedent for future government overreach, where the rights of ordinary people are trampled in favor of political or corporate agendas.

6. Unacceptable Economic and Environmental Risks
This bill prioritizes highway expansion over the real needs of Ontarians—sustainable infrastructure, public transit, and environmental protection. The government’s claim that these highways will reduce gridlock is an outdated and discredited myth. Expanding roads leads to increased traffic, more pollution, and greater sprawl. The environmental costs of these highways—destroying green spaces, increasing carbon emissions, and exacerbating climate change—are unacceptable. These projects are a step backward, not forward, and they represent a catastrophic waste of public resources.

Conclusion
This bill must not pass. The Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act is a gross overreach of provincial power that disrespects the democratic rights of local communities, undermines accountability, and allows for the abuse of public office. A vote in favor of this bill is not just a misuse of power; it is an act of betrayal against the people of Ontario. It is a potential violation of taxpayer rights, a rejection of municipal democracy, and an invitation for corruption and cronyism in the government. Any MPP who supports this bill should be held accountable for this breach of trust and an outright disservice to the people they were elected to represent.

We, the people of Ontario, demand a government that listens to our voices, respects our rights, and prioritizes our long-term wellbeing—not one that pushes through harmful projects that benefit only a few at the expense of the many. This bill cannot pass—for the sake of our communities, our environment, and our democracy.