After passing Bill 5, Ford government asked staff for suggestions on how to use law
The spring 2025 sitting of the legislature was dominated by Bill 5, a law that would allow cabinet to designate areas where provincial and municipal laws could be suspended.
After passing Bill 5, the Ford government sought ideas from staff on how to utilize the new law. Days after the controversial legislation creating special economic zones was enacted, the government cast a wide net to gather suggestions. Bill 5 would enable Premier Doug Ford and his cabinet to designate areas where provincial and municipal laws could be suspended, including environmental assessments.
The proposal drew considerable opposition, especially from First Nations leaders concerned it could be used to expedite mining developments in northern Ontario’s mineral-rich Ring of Fire region. The government allocated limited time for the legislation to minimize debate and committee hearings and promised extensive consultations upon approval.
However, a letter sent by Ford’s chief of staff and Secretary of Cabinet Michelle DiEmanuele to all ministry chiefs four days post-legislation suggested the government was poised to advance with the changes, even without specific projects in mind. The letter, obtained via freedom of information laws, requested ideas to create jobs, expedite success, bolster the supply chain, and provide broad economic benefits.
Critics argue the letter indicates the government gave itself new powers without a clear plan on their application. Ontario Liberal interim leader John Fraser questioned the government’s rushed decision, pondering why they enacted the law without knowing their priorities for the ensuing year. The government has yet to respond to inquiries about the number of proposals submitted.
Despite having the power for over a year, the government has scarcely employed these authorities. They have indicated the Ring of Fire, initially viewed as the catalyst for the legislation, is likely not to be designated following agreements with three communities to construct all-season roads in the north. The province did propose designating Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport as a special economic zone to accelerate an expansion at the downtown site, but the federal government has halted this plan.
Written by urgent.news from Global News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
