Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s Bill 5 passed in Queen’s Park Wednesday afternoon, a law that designates “special economic zones” to be exempted from local and environmental laws.The Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, designed to fast-track mining projects in Northern Ontario and other infrastructure projects, has caused quite a splash already, with indigenous leaders complaining it tramples their rights. Bill 5 will now go to Ontario’s lieutenant-governor for royal assent sign-off before it becomes law. Among projects with a green light to move forward under the new law, are Ford’s election promises to build a tunnel expressway under Hwy. 401 and new GO rail lines, the province’s central commuter train system. .Bill 5 will give the provincial cabinet power to appoint the economic zones where specific projects are granted permission to move forward, bypassing provincial and local laws, as environmental regulations, reported the Trillium. The law does not allow bypassing those in the federal jurisdiction, however.Embedded in Bill 5 is the Species Conservation Act, which will replace the province’s Endangered Species Act, which activists have said weakens protections for endangered species, reported the outlet..In protest of the bill, First Nations groups say they may blockade roads, railways and mines, reported the CBC. Ford said that would not be “very wise.”"You can't break the law," Ford said."Simple as that ... They need to move on or they'll be dealt with appropriately."Ford said his government plans to consult with indigenous group on the matter over the coming months."When it comes to duty to consult, which is very important, and we are going to do it, if they have an equity partnership it moves like greased lightning," he said.
