Premier Doug Ford's Bill 5 aims to boost Ontario's economy by reducing red tape and accelerating major project approvals, amidst fears from U.S. policy shifts. While the bill’s economic rationale was clear, it grants the cabinet unprecedented power to establish "special economic zones," where compliance with numerous provincial laws and regulations can be exempted. Critics argue this could lead to significant corporate advantages, undermining essential regulations. The legislation has faced backlash, leading to a stalling motion by opposition parties during committee discussions to reassess its implications.
"Essentially, the cabinet could give corporations a free pass to circumvent all sorts of important protections," Anais Bussieres McNicoll, a director of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, said.
The powers government would get to create special economic zones are akin to emergency powers to override laws, and should therefore be time-limited with checks and balances.
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