Bill 212, and the attached…

Commentaire

Bill 212, and the attached schedules and acts are an extreme over-reach by the provincial government. The provincial government should not be getting involved in the minutiae of lane construction, or municipal traffic management. That is what we elect our municipal councilors and mayors for. Bicycle lanes are an important component of ensuring all citizens can safely enjoy our province. We need more pedestrian and bicycle safety, not less.
We need more public transportation and more ways of reducing our environmental impacts. If commute times are increasing then the provincial government should mandate work-from-home requirements when further than x km from the office, or provide incentives for companies to operate satellite offices.
Schedule 1 is another over-reach as the expropriations act should not be bypassed. These laws exist for a reason, and bypassing sections is a slippery slope to bypassing it altogether.
Schedule 2 is overreaching in the same manner as Schedule 1. Additionally, we don't need more highways we need more public transit. Trains can carry for more people, faster, and more efficiently than cars so that should be our answer to gridlock and traffic.
Schedule 3 is yet another over-reach. The environmental assessments of capital projects is a critical aspect, and no part of it should be skipped, expedited, or ignored. The land and environment of this province belongs to all of us and the government is responsible for safe-keeping it for future generations, and undertaking projects for the betterment of all.
This entire Bill should be tossed from the floor. It does not provide enough benefits for the people of Ontario, and provides too much power to an individual.