The guidelines are too vague…

The guidelines are too vague. The guidelines will allow cabinet to approve anything it deems important. Key issues include:
- Determinations can be made based on the "opinion of the Minister" which allows too much power by the Minister and undermines the purpose of developing criteria.
- Projects are supposed to benefit Ontario communities. The wording needs to be revised to specifically state that this includes wildlife communities, especially if the wildlife is at risk.
- Consideration as to whether a proponent has a plan for engaging and working with Indigenous communities. This criteria needs to be revised to include a requirement to uphold Canada’s commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and for the proponent to obtain free, prior and informed consent from Indigenous Peoples regarding the initiation of a project.

Addressing these issues will ensure we have criteria that considers all individuals that may be affected.