There is a risk that Special…

There is a risk that Special Economic Zones will unleash chaotic development in Ontario with little or no regard to environmental protections. Bill 5 gives the Premier and Cabinet unprecedented powers over communities. It allows the Premier and the Cabinet to create zones where any kind of project can be designated and exempted from any provincial or municipal law. There is no legislative oversight and even provincial parks are not excluded. Any place in Ontario can become a special economic zone. Indigenous communities in the Ring of Fire should have their constitutional rights respected.

Special Economic Zones represent a threat to Ontario’s Greenbelt and farmland. The lack of criteria and transparent process is worrisome. We see the massive acquisition of power by the premier and the cabinet at the expense of the legislature.

In this rush to develop, there is a need for thoughtful planning and oversight. Let’s move the Ontario economy forward in a responsible, democratic and transparent way. Bill 5 represents an unprecedented power grab by the Ontario government similar to events in the US. Ontario needs to protect its democratic values and move ahead while protecting the environment and long term health of tax payers.