This is a very concerning…

This is a very concerning piece of legislation with risks for long-held elements of democratic oversight in Ontario. The bill is vague about where Special Economic Zones would exist and who would be exempt from laws, it is unclear whether municipal laws will apply, and it reduces the say of the people on legislation in Ontario. I question whether this legislation is a wise way for the province to stimulate economic activity in the face of U.S. tariffs and the threats of future ones.

Who would be the “trusted proponents” proposed under this act? This bill leaves the door open for favouritism in public projects. The lack of transparency does not bode well for companies who will want to bid on work in a fair way. This would not be helpful at a time when we need to support Ontario businesses. This legislation does not seem like it would support smaller Ontario firms.

Why will projects be exempt from municipal laws? Local governments know local areas best. The bill erodes the role of planners who work to protect the interests of the publics in development projects and processes. It is important to enable resource development projects in a responsible way. Please consider the costs that this bill would have.

This bill proposes overriding the power of the legislature in that elected representatives through which the public can make their voices heard would essentially have no say. It risks limiting decision-making to the executive for who “trusted proponents” would be as well as where these special economic zones would be located. This is concerning backsliding free democracy like Ontario's that has worked over many decades to make it what it is today.

Please withdraw this bill. In its current form, it risks having unintended consequences for the environment, local governments, and First Nations. It does not appear to be a responsible way to support resource development. It is also not in keeping with how business should be done in a province like Ontario’s.