I do not support the…

I do not support the creation of "Special Economic Zones Act, 2025". This does nothing to protect the environment or the future of the province. It will only benefit the 'preferred' developers chosen by the government, who will be eager to profit from their projects. Establishment of these special economic zones will remove public consultation on how the land will be used, eroding each resident's right to hold the government accountable for the choices they make. Under this proposed Act individuals will have no opportunity to question decisions being made, which gives the government far too much control over how they decide how the land will be used. There would not be any checks and balances in these projects. That does not sound like a democratic process or even a process that invites transparency and accountability of our elected government officials.

There is no process for consultation with Indigenous groups within this Act. How are their rights being protected?

Environmental protections will also be eroded under this Act, as developers will not be required to follow laws within these special economic zones either. It puts endangered species at further risk of extinction if developers do not have to be concerned about protecting these species. How does exempting developers from following laws benefit the health and safety and labour laws for workers? Or public safety? And it again leaves residents of this province without any way to voice concerns. Not being required to follow laws only benefits the government, their chosen developers and their ability to cut corners.

Again, I do not support the "Special Economic Zones Act, 2025" as stand alone legislation or as part of a larger bill. Developers chosen by the province would be able to ignore laws and safeguards that have been developed to protect the workers on these projects, species at risk, the environment and the general public. Residents of this province would not have the ability to comment or express concerns over any development within these "Special Economic Zones". This Act erodes the democratic process by granting the government absolute control over decisions that impact all of us who live in this province. As a resident of Ontario I would urge the government to re-think this Act.