I object to The Special…

I object to The Special Economic Zones Act, 2025 on three specific grounds, and in general.

1. From the standpoint of protecting Ontario's BUILT HERITAGE, the Act threatens the very existence of heritage conservation districts, heritage designation, plus standards and guidelines. Ontario's proud history and its irreplaceable built assets risk being erased when "designated projects" are undertaken. With no prior review possible, there is no certainty that such projects will actually deliver any valuable outcomes.

2. From the standpoint of HOUSING and DEVELOPMENT, the Act eliminates the requirement for reviews that would assess the impact of "designated projects" on surrounding communities and their infrastructure capacities, on natural ecosystems and in other ways. For instance, development could happen in ecologically sensitive areas such as the Niagara Escarpment – a designated UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

3. From the standpoint of INDIGENOUS RIGHTS, the Act undercuts Ontario's acknowledged to "duly consult First Nations on decisions and actions that may adversely impact asserted or established Aboriginal or treaty rights."

Overall, by declaring any part of Ontario a "Special Economic Zone" where "designated projects" are exempt from rules, Acts, Regulations and Instruments (such as municipal by-laws), the Act does the opposite of "protecting Ontarians" -- it takes away their rights to consultation, due process, and the traditional protections afforded by provincial and municipal laws that have been developed, tested and worked quite successfully for decades.

With no transparency and with unilateral power resting in the hands of the Premier, the provincial cabinet and ministers, Ontarians would have no protection against the sort of favouritism or cronyism the Ford government nearly got away with in relation to development of the protected Greenbelt.

Yes, serious action is needed in light of the Trump tariffs and the changed relationship with the U.S.

But the Act is an unforgiving sledgehammer – rather than a thoughtful and carefully deployed instrument – to use in helping the Ontario economy grow and its citizens prosper.

My sentiments are well conveyed in the highlighted section of the attached Opinion article from the May 16 issue of the Creemore Echo newspaper.