I do not support this…

I do not support this proposal.

The proposal allows SEZs to be declared anywhere in Ontario if Cabinet believes that area is “economically significant or strategically important” and “no larger than necessary”. This is too much discretion and power to Cabinet, risking corruption.

The proposal says “Trusted proponents” can be handpicked by the Minister with no independent checks. This also risks corruption. Whether they have a good record on environmental compliance is entirely “in the opinion of the Minister”, which means that environmental protection may not happen during a project.

Designated projects within SEZs are only required to consider health and environmental risks. This means risk to public health and the environment upon which we all depend. There’s no requirement to ensure that risk mitigation strategies actually work, and no independent oversight. This is irresponsible and will increase costs to the public (e.g., to our health care which is already in trouble).

Despite clear feedback from Indigenous communities, the draft regulation contains no mechanism to affirm Indigenous rights or consultation requirements. Ontario has committed to Indigenous consultation and reconciliation; this proposal goes against that. This proposal also excludes the public.

This proposal is irresponsible, lacks transparency and accountability, and only increases risk to important aspects like public health and environmental health. I do not support this proposal as it stands.