I would like to voice my…

I would like to voice my strong opposition to Bill 66, particularly section 10 of the Bill which introduces an "Open for Business" by-law tool. "Red tape reduction" and "open for business" are snappy catch-all phrases that are constantly being thrown around by this new government. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that this government has not giving much thought to what this philosophy means in practice; this has been demonstrated by the continuous conflation of eliminating redundancies with out-right disregard for the legislation that was created to protect our most valuable resources.

This Planning Act tool exempts proponents from adhering to provincial policies, provincial plans (Greenbelt, Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, etc.), and local planning documents, all the while removing appeal rights and limiting public consultation/notice. Interesting that this "Government for the People" is removing "the People's" ability to give their opinion on projects.

This tool is being positioned as an "economic development tool"; however, all it does is de-legitimatize the provincial and local planning decisions that have been made in the public interest. Individual municipalities have spoken out against the tool -- this is both incredibly encouraging and troubling, as this could create a "race-to-the-bottom" attitude in this Province. In my opinion, clear, effective, and consistent policy application is the ultimate red tape reduction strategy. Land speculation, which has been proven to go down when clear planning policy direction is in place, will be spurred. This will both increase the price of farm land and make it more vulnerable -- at a time where we need to be doing everything to protect the precious farm land we have. Re-introducing uncertainty about agricultural land protection is NOT what our farmers need.

Only 5% of Canada's land base is considered prime agricultural land and a considerable amount of this land is right here in Ontario. It should be treasured and we should do everything within our power to protect this land and keep it viable. Even under current policies, this land is at risk. Under Bill 66, prime farm land will be put at unprecedented risk. Ontario's agri-food sector creates 1/9 jobs in Ontario, and contributes $39 billion to Ontario's GDP annually. It is high time to start seeing agricultural land as integral to job creation in this Province.

I was beyond shocked to see Section 39 of the Clean Water Act included in this Bill. We are not that far removed from the Walkerton crisis, and the inclusion of this piece of legislation in this Bill is incredibly dangerous. Who benefits from this?! The more I think about this Bill, the more baffled I am as I try to determine who is benefiting from this, and what cynical and short-sighted minds developed this legislation. We may have jobs, but will we have a healthy environment and the things we value as a Province?

Please listen to the countless municipalities that have already passed resolutions that they will not use this tool. Please listen to the countless Ontarians of all political stripes in and in all geographies -- in Ajax, Hamilton, Walkerton, Kitchener any beyond -- that are speaking out against this tool. If for no other reason but to keep your alleged promise of being the "Government for the People".