I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed new law called the Special Economic Zones Act, 2025. If it gets approved, the Ontario government will be able to designate special areas that are critical to Ontario’s economy and security, where selected projects could move faster as a result of simplified rules, faster approvals, and one-window access to services. This proposed legislation would allow the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade to violate the rule of law in Ontario, in areas where it sees an opportunity for economic gain. The rule of law is the basis for our system of government. The Supreme Court has stated that ‘no legislation can be taken to contemplate unlimited arbitrary power exercisable for any purpose’. This proposed new law purports to give the LGO and MEDJCT exactly that; unlimited power to set aside all laws, including municipal laws, that govern a certain region of Ontario. This is unacceptable and Schedule 9 of Bill 5 must be withdrawn. It is also unacceptable that the Crown try to limit its liability in any case where harm occurs to human health or the environment. Indeed the liability of the Crown should be the same as for any individual, especially since the government’s ability to cause harm is so much greater. Again I say, Schedule 9 of Bill 5 must be withdrawn.