We are seriously AGAINST…

ERO number

025-1077

Comment ID

158505

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Individual

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Comment

We are seriously AGAINST Special Economic Zones.

Here is why:

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 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.

This Provincial Government is placing Ontarians’ health, safety, and democracy at risk.

WE deserves better. The Special Economic Zones framework sidelines the law and leaves our air, land, and water at the mercy of political discretion. Politicians are not scientists. "Economic opinions should not override Environmental Rights.