We are saying 'NO' to…

We are saying 'NO' to Special Economic Zones!

SEZs can be declared anywhere in Ontario if Cabinet believes that area is “economically significant or strategically important” and “no larger than necessary”. Environmental areas cannot be dissected for economic reasons. They are protected because we have to keep those lands; be they wetlands, watersheds, forests, farmlands, wildlife habitat and groundwater.

“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”. The Minister should not be having an opinion. Environmental ASSESSMENTS must always be done first.

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. We must absolutely have independent oversight in these cases.

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

We are saying NO to SEZs!