While I appreciate the…

While I appreciate the government’s concern with protecting our economy in the face of US tariffs and renegotiated trade deals, I ask that the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025 (Bill 5) be reconsidered.

The rule of law is an essential component of our democracy. At its core, Ontario’s planning process authorizes local implementation consistent with provincial direction. We cannot afford to grant cabinet the powers rightfully situated with Provincial Parliament. We cannot afford to lose the oversight and the safeguards against corruption and cronyism that parliamentary and local decision-making provides. Having cabinet, a Ministry, or any other body both pass the laws and decide upon them is simply too vulnerable to corruption. I fear the government has not learned the lessons it should have from the Greenbelt scandal.

Please do not proceed with Bill 5 as proposed. If the primary goals are to address the Ring of Fire or the Dresden dump, please focus more closely on how best to proceed on those fronts in accordance with the law, including local bylaws, and due public consultation.