The Canadian province of Ontario has passed a sweeping and contentious new mining law aimed at accelerating major development projects, despite sharp criticism from Indigenous leaders, environmental advocates and opposition parties.
Bill 5, or the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, gives Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative government broad powers to create “special economic zones.” Within these areas, selected projects and proponents can be exempted from provincial laws, regulations and local bylaws. While federal legislation still applies, critics argue the bill guts provincial safeguards without sufficient public debate.
The legislation also includes a provision to replace Ontario’s Endangered Species Act with a new Species Conservation Act, at a future date determined by cabinet. Environmental groups warn the change will erode protections for threatened…
