I object to the passage of…

I object to the passage of this bill.

I object to creating Special Economic Zones which would be exempt from existing provincial and municipal laws, including the Ontario Heritage Act and the Endangered Species Act. This could lead to unchecked development and destruction of vital habitats.

The bill allows the government to identify “trusted proponents” without clear criteria, leading to potential favoritism and lack of accountability. This government in particular has demonstrated an affinity for favoritism and a definite lack of accountability and cannot be trusted to act in the interests of all Ontarians.

Fast-tracking designated projects means the province could bypass necessary environmental assessments, further endangering species and habitats. Ontario has a history of which it can be proud. This bill will dismantle that.

l support the many Indigenous leaders who have already spoken out against this bill because it poses a significant threat to Indigenous rights. The proposed legislation disregards Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution which mandates consultation with Indigenous communities on projects affecting their lands. This bill undermines that duty. Ontario needs to respect the Canadian Constitution. It also needs to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which is crucial for reconciliation and respecting Indigenous sovereignty.

Ontario has been a leader in species protection, but this bill threatens to dismantle decades of progress. The proposed Species Conservation Act prioritizes economic interests over environmental ones, allowing:

This bill would allow cabinet to overrule scientific recommendations on species protection, something which should not happen. Using very narrow habitat definitions could leave species like the Blanding’s Turtle and many others vulnerable to habitat destruction.