I firmly OBJECT to this BILL…

I firmly OBJECT to this BILL 5 for the following reasons:

SEZs can be declared anywhere in Ontario if Cabinet believes that area is “economically significant or strategically important” and “no larger than necessary”.

“Trusted proponents” can be handpicked by the Minister with no independent checks. Whether they have a good record on environmental compliance is entirely “in the opinion of the Minister”.

Designated projects within SEZs are only required to consider health and environmental risks. There’s no requirement to ensure that risk mitigation strategies actually work, and no independent oversight.

Despite clear feedback from Indigenous communities, the draft regulation contains no mechanism to affirm Indigenous rights or consultation requirements.

I support economic growth but NOT at all costs. My vote and those of many voters were never told of this BILL 5 detail. If we would have known, the current ruling government would be quite different. Please remember there will be another election and this BILL 5 will have SIGNIFICANT negative implications to the current ruling government. Voters will not forget. Please figure out a more equitable and safe environmental way to ensure economic growth for now and FUTURE generations.w