Special Economic Zones Act,…

Special Economic Zones Act, 2025 (ERO number 25-0391)

I object to Schedule 9 of Bill 5, which proposes to grant the Premier of Ontario and his cabinet the authority to exempt certain individuals and projects from laws and regulations established by the provincial parliament and local councils.

The provisions outlined in Schedule 9 raise significant concerns regarding the potential for arbitrary decision-making, as they do not provide specific criteria for determining "trusted proponents" or "designated projects." This lack of clarity allows for the possibility of favouritism, undermining the democratic process and the rule of law in Ontario.

Furthermore, the broad exemption powers could extend to any laws, including those related to health and safety, labour, and municipal regulations. This could lead to a situation where individuals or projects, potentially aligned with foreign interests, are granted immunity from essential legal protections that safeguard the welfare of Ontarians.

The Act fails to demonstrate a clear connection to addressing challenges related to U.S. export markets or to prioritize projects that would genuinely benefit Ontario's economy. Instead, it appears to exploit legitimate concerns about external threats to justify the concentration of power within the government.

In summary, I urge you to reconsider the implications of Schedule 9 and the potential erosion of democratic principles and legal protections for Ontarians.

Thank you for considering my objection.