I am writing to oppose the…

I am writing to oppose the Special Economic Act Zones, 2025 ERO number 025-0391.

While economic development and trade are needed for Ontario's growth, this growth must be done in a way that is safe and non-exploitative for all of Ontario, including Ontario's land, waterways, plant life, animal life, human residents, and air quality. Bill 5 seeks to remove environmental protections intended to safeguard Ontario's environment and people and charge ahead with ill-considered projects that have the potential to do irreparable harm. Proper environmental assessments and Indigenous consultation is essential for long-lasting and healthy development in the province. These assessments and consultations are needed protections and cannot be dismissed as "red tape."

Businesses (i.e. developers) need to be land and people friendly, land and people should not be forfeiting established laws and rights to businesses. Environmental and worker protections were not enacted to frustrate businesses, but to keep all of Ontario healthy and well. The ability to bypass assessment and consultation requirements put forth in this bill is undemocratic and dangerous. The proposed change of control of the designation of Species at Risk in Ontario from the independent committee of experts, who are currently responsible for making decisions, to a politician (the Minister of Environment) who can change a designation unilaterally is appalling and shows a commitment to short-term profit rather than the true long-term prosperity of Ontario.

Democracy is at risk in our world - just look south of our border. Please help maintain democracy here in Canada and Ontario.