{
  "id": 8002682,
  "title": "After passing Bill 5, Ford government asked staff for suggestions on how to use law",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/after-passing-bill-5-ford-government-asked-staff-for-suggestions-on-8002682",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-17T10:00:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Global News",
    "slug": "global-news-globalnews",
    "url": "https://globalnews.ca/news/12062210/special-economic-zones-suggestion-request-ontario/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "After the Ford government passed Bill 5, which created special economic zones where provincial and municipal laws could be suspended, the administration immediately sought suggestions on how to utilize the new law. The legislation, introduced in spring 2025, was met with significant opposition, particularly from First Nations leaders who feared it could be used to expedite mining projects in northern Ontario’s mineral-rich Ring of Fire area. Although the government rushed the legislation, it promised extensive consultations once it was approved. However, a letter sent to all ministries in June 2025 by the government’s chief of staff and Secretary of Cabinet Michelle DiEmanuele revealed that the administration was ready to move forward with the changes, even without specific projects in mind. The letter, obtained through a freedom of information request, requested ideas from government chiefs of staff aimed at creating jobs, expediting project timelines, bolstering the supply chain, and providing broad economic benefits. Critics, including Ontario Liberal interim leader John Fraser, questioned the government’s strategy, suggesting that announcing a policy without having a clear plan for its use was unwise. The letter explicitly stated that the government was seeking ideas to support the development of these special economic zones, promising further consultations with Indigenous communities. As of now, it is unclear how many ideas were submitted to the premier’s office for consideration, and the Ford government has not provided a response to inquiries from Global News. Despite the rapid adoption of the bill, the government has barely used the powers granted to it. The Ring of Fire, initially considered the primary driver for the legislation, is unlikely to be designated as a special economic zone due to agreements reached with three communities for building all-season roads. The government did, however, announce plans to designate Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport as a special economic zone to expedite an expansion project, though this was halted when the federal government intervened.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "3News",
        "title": "IERPP calls on government to withdraw NPA Bill, 2026 for review",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/ierpp-calls-on-government-to-withdraw-npa-bill-2026-for-review",
        "published": "2026-09-17T08:17:59.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Global News",
        "title": "After passing Bill 5, Ford government asked staff for suggestions on how to use law",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/after-passing-bill-5-ford-government-asked-staff-for-suggestions-on",
        "published": "2026-09-17T10:00:34.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}