Premier Doug Ford says his government would use the strong “special economic zones” powers it’s trying to create to build a short list of projects that includes the next phase of Ontario’s GO train rail network and a new northern seaport.
Those projects are two of five “nation-building projects” that Ford outlined in a letter to recently elected Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier this month.
Ford told reporters at Queen’s Park on Friday that his government would use special economic zones powers that Bill 5 would create to complete each of them. Critical mineral mining projects in the Ring of Fire, a tunnel expressway under Highway 401 and an expansion of Ontario’s nuclear energy facilities are the other three.
Bill 5 is currently under review by a parliamentary committee. Thanks to the power of their majority, Ford’s Progressive Conservatives could pass it before the end of next week.
If passed, the legislation would empower the provincial cabinet to designate an area a “special economic zone,” and then exempt selected proponents and projects from requirements under any provincial law or regulation, including bylaws of municipalities and local boards.
Ford and Canada's other premiers are set to travel to Saskatoon on Sunday to meet with Carney, including to discuss how to accomplish major infrastructure projects.
