General Comments on ERO…

General Comments on ERO Proposal for Special Economic Zones

Environmental Oversight and Protections Must Be Maintained:
While Special Economic Zones are being pushed on to the public under the guise of stimulating economic growth by reducing red tape and attracting investment, they are coming at the extremely high cost of weakening, removing or outright destruction of environmental protections. Exempting SEZ developments from environmental assessments, endangered species protections, or planning processes will lead to severe irreversible ecological harm—especially in sensitive and rare habitats.

Impact on Species at Risk and Habitat:
The creation of SEZs will involve large-scale land development, which will fragment habitats, displace wildlife, and threaten species at risk, and will also negatively impact species which are currently not at risk. If SEZs are located near or within natural heritage areas, wetlands, or critical habitats, the cumulative impact will be severe.

Cumulative Effects Assessment:
SEZs, particularly if multiple are developed across the province, will lead to significant cumulative impacts—such as increased pollution, water usage, and habitat loss—that are not captured through piecemeal approvals.

Transparency and Public Consultation:
If SEZs are to be fast-tracked, it is crucial that the process remains transparent and inclusive. Local communities, Indigenous Nations, environmental groups, and the general public MUST have opportunities to review and provide input on SEZ plans before they are finalized. The government cannot ignore the concerns of our First Nation communities!

Climate Change Considerations:
Ontario has committed to climate goals, and any policy—especially one encouraging rapid development—must align with those goals. If SEZs prioritize short-term economic gains over sustainable planning, it will undermine climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Equity and Regional Balance:
SEZs will benefit certain regions or industries disproportionately, while leaving other areas behind or overburdening specific communities with high environmental costs.

In Closing:
Doug ford and his government are working very hard to bankrupt and destroy this province. This proposal provides further proof that he does not value the “common people” and his values align far too close to those of Trump. This proposal is a strictly meant to put more money into the pockets of the already rich and connected. There is no economy without environment. For the sake of this province and its people, this Act cannot be allowed to pass!