My comment relates to the…

My comment relates to the Bill 5 consultation on the Special Economic Zones Act, 2025.

In a healthy society, economic growth must be viewed as compatible with and supportive of the protection of our environment and communities. Criteria for designating zones, projects and proponents should include standards for protecting and enhancing social, environmental and health and safety safety qualities which make Ontario's communities desirable places where people can thrive. Specific attention must be paid to ensuring that waterways and water sources for communities, as well as air quality, are protected from pollution and disruption.

The Ontario government's economic development strategy should strengthen, not weaken, our safeguards for the environment and community health. Otherwise, the government's responsibility to improve and protect the well-being of the population will not be served.

Such standards would necessarily limit the Minister's discretion in order to ensure transparency, accountability and protection of environments and communities. Economic considerations alone will not ensure this. Trusted proponents should be required to demonstrate a track record of environmental protection and dedication to community health and safety. Projects should be approved only if they support and advance environmental protection and community health and safety as well as promising positive economic impacts.

The regulations should establish an independent oversight body empowered to review proposals for projects with the above-mentioned standards in mind, and to receive and act on complaints concerning negative impacts of projects on the environment and the health and safety of communities. This body must have the power to make orders and ensure compliance.

The regulations should also establish a means of ensuring consultation with Indigenous communities and affirmation of their rights.