Ford Government Retracts “Open-for-Business” Planning Tool in Bill 66
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- Published on Tuesday, 29 January 2019 15:11
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By North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce (NDACT)
January 25, 2019
Melancthon, ON - On January 23, 2019, Steve Clark, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing tweeted that the government "will not proceed with Schedule 10 of the Bill".
This is good news, an obvious response to a huge public outcry, which included social media campaigns #StopBill66 and #KillBill66 as well as resolutions by municipalities not to use the new planning tool proposed in Schedule 10.
The Minister’s tweet was quickly touted as a win by activist and environmental groups. The people’s message was strong and clear: We worked hard for Ontario’s environmental legislation to protect our families, communities and future generations. Hands off.
It should be noted that Bill 66 still proposes to repeal the Toxics Reduction Act, 2009, which eliminates industry obligations to report publicly on their uses of toxic substances and to identify options to reduce those substances through toxic reduction plans.
Also, according to the Council of Canadians, Bill 66 would still result in:
– Employees working significant amounts of overtime without pay.
– Lower wages for unionized construction workers in many sectors of the economy.
– Daycares with more children and fewer staff to look after them.
– Less qualified caregivers in public schools and daycares after hours programs.
– Less protection from dishonest business practices by wireless companies.
– Long term care facilities being operated by corporations without experience and with less oversight.
While NDACT’s Food & Water First mandate has been satisfied in the retraction of Schedule 10, our Members continue to be concerned.
This is the second time the Ford government has proposed and retracted plans that would jeopardize the Greenbelt in the seven months since the election. It is apparent that developers and businesses have Premier Ford’s ear and that Ontario’s protected spaces are viewed as obstacles or assets for sale. We need to be cautious.
Stay Informed
On Saturday, February 2, 2019, NDACT is hosting a “Protect Our Greenbelt” free event in the University of Guelph Arboretum Centre.
You are invited to learn about the anticipated impacts of the Ford government's pro-business pro-development strategy from our guest speakers:
Mike Schreiner, MPP & Green Party of Ontario Leader
Victor Doyle, architect of Ontario’s Greenbelt
Schedule 10 of Bill 66 would have negated four decades of work by groups and individuals who fought for Ontario's environmental protections.
Congratulations on the win everybody. Stay vigilant!
Date: Saturday, February 2, 2019
Time: 10am to noon
Location: OAC Centennial Arboretum Centre
University of Guelph
College Avenue East
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1
Cost: Free. Register.