Schreiner: Draft SEZ criteria have no teeth

October 3, 2025

GUELPH — Ontario Greens leader and MPP for Guelph Mike Schreiner issued the following statement in response to the Ford government’s release of draft criteria for Special Economic Zones:

“Let’s call it what it is: these so-called ‘criteria’ are deliberately vague. They don’t protect the environment, uphold Indigenous rights,  set real boundaries or democratic oversight. They’re crafted to look like safeguards, but in reality, they do nothing to prevent backroom deals and giveaways to well-connected insiders, now rebranded as ‘trusted proponents.’ 

The Ford government has scrapped the science-backed laws that protected the people and places we care about. In their place? Conveniently broad definitions of what counts as ‘economically important’ and ‘socially beneficial,’ which give Doug Ford free rein to create lawless zones for unchecked development.

The Greens continue to call for the immediate reversal of Bill 5 and for meaningful engagement with First Nations on any projects that are proposed to take place on their land.”

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