I would like to say that…

I would like to say that while the idea to move ahead with a big project like the Ring of Fire mining of critical minerals is understandable, the method proposed here is frightening. It seems to throw out the rule of law by allowing provincial and municipal laws to be ignored in these special economic zones by hand-picked project proponents. So far there seems to be no guardrails on what types of projects or areas could be included in these special economic zones.

Our provincial and municipal laws/bylaws protect the people of Ontario – keeping our water, land and air safe. And our environmental protections, which have been vastly eroded already, are critical for not only the water, air and soil, but also for the species we share the planet with.
We inhabit an earth with an intricately connected web of life. This part of the bill has the potential to tear that web apart.

The province also must keep in mind its duty to truly consult with First Nations. That means more than letting them know what project is proposed. Their input on any development, and their approval, is critical. They understand that the Ring of Fire area, while rich with minerals, is also the second largest carbon sink in the world and contains part of the largest intact boreal forest in the world. As Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation said, “in order for us to meaningfully benefit from these resources, we need to do it right.” That means not only consulting, but following existing laws to ensure environmental protections are part of the equation.

Minister Lecce has mentioned realizing our potential as a “clean energy superpower”. There are many ways to do that, including encouraging solar and wind power and subsidizing the purchase of those electric vehicles that could contain the minerals from the Ring of Fire.

As for building a highway tunnel under the 401, no one voted for that. The whole thing, from concept on down, needs more scrutiny, and regulation, not less, which potentially could happen if that’s one of the projects that could be exempted from our laws. The people of Ontario can’t afford such an extravagant project. The money would be better spent on electrifying an expanded transit system.

I see this move to create these special economic zones as a way for the government to plow ahead, unchecked, to do whatever it pleases, whether it pleases the people of Ontario or not. The government was given a large majority in the last election based on a concern that we need to fight Trump’s tariffs and to keep Canada independent. There are many other ways to do that. We don’t have to throw out the rule of law for specific projects and areas.