Kitchener city council has unanimously passed a motion urging the province to rethink its approach to the contentious Bill 5.
Bill 5, known as the Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, gives the government power (among other things) to set up special economic zones (SEZ), allowing cabinet to exempt companies or projects from adhering to any provincial laws, regulations, or municipal bylaws.
The bill has faced opposition from environmental advocates who warn that Bill 5 might lead to irreversible harm to ecosystems and result in the loss of Indigenous and historical artifacts, along with Indigenous groups who argue it threatens First Nations’ rights and lifestyles.
The motion from Kitchener was introduced by Coun. Paul Singh, asking the province to acknowledge the city’s independence by:
Obtaining council approval before establishing a SEZ within city limits.
Ensuring SEZs do not bypass municipal bylaws that support urban development or generate revenue for the municipality.
Finding ways through Bill 5 and its regulations to protect endangered species and environmental regions.
Meeting its obligation to consult Indigenous stakeholders and engage in meaningful dialogue when creating SEZs.
Singh mentioned to CBC news that this is a positive initial step.
“We’re supportive of wanting to streamline processes that can unlock and stimulate our economy. But at the same time, I think the autonomy of the local municipal voice is important,” he said.
He noted that without his motion there could be negative effects on how SEZs are implemented.
“Without the motion, the SEZ could be imposed without local input and that’s potentially disrupting Kitchener’s planning priorities, environmental space safeguards and revenue models.”
Kitchener Coun. Debbie Chapman put forward a more confrontational motion during Monday’s council meeting regarding Bill 5, but it was ultimately rejected. It was then substituted with Coun. Singh’s proposal, which aims for a more cooperative approach.
Singh stated that his concerns were quite similar to those raised in Chapman’s motion; however he believes it’s more effective to collaborate with rather than oppose the province.
“I think municipalities do have to be a collaborative partner with the province when it comes to economic issues,” he said. “At the same time, we need to be able to articulate local concerns of environment and local impacts, especially when substantive change might impact the community.” p >
Another key resolution in Singh’s motion is calling onthe provincial governmentto fulfillits dutyto consult Indigenousstakeholders. p >
“We can’t just have empty gesturesfor reconciliationwithour Indigenouscommunity,”hesaid. p >
“I thinkhavingallthe voicesatthe tableisveryimportant. The provinceneeds togetinclusiv e.” p >
Singh’smotionwaspassed unanimouslyby Kitchener citycouncil Mondaynight. He hopeshis colleaguesintheprovincialgovernment willbeopen tow ork ingwithmunicipalitiestointegrateconsultationinto Bill5.
“I’mhopingtheprovincechoosestolisten.” p >Local Indigenousreaction h2 >Amy Smokeisamemberofthe Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clanofth e Six Nationsofthe Grand Riverandacofounderofthe Willow River Centrein downtown Kitchener. They said they’re pleasantlysurprisedbythemotion includinga callfortheprovincetofulfillitsdutyto consult. P >
“It’srefreshingandabouttime,”Smokesaid. P >Amy Smokesays theywerehappytoseethecallfortheprovincetoinclude Indigenousconsultationinthe Kitchener citycouncilmotion.(Aastha Shetty/CBC)
Smoke said it’s essentialto include Indigenousvoices indecisionmaking, but thereisn’tanyone reason whythedutytoconsultisimportant. P >“When wetalkaboutreconciliation, andwe’reincluding Indigenousvoices now atthetable, we haveto considerfactthatwehave stewardedtheselandsand kept theminbalancepriorto colonization,”they said.
“WEDIDNOT HAVE FOODINSECURITY. WE DID NOT HAVE CLIMATECRISES. WE DID NOT HAVE ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM.”
“SMOKESAI DINVITINGINDIGENOUSVOICESTOTHE TABLEIS LIKE STARTINGFRESH.”
“IT’SNOT EVENJUST INVITINGUSTOTHE TABLE. WEDESERVETO BEATTHTABLE. WE DEMANDTO BE THESE TABLES,”THEY SAID.
“NOT JUST CONSULTATIONBECAUSEANYONECAN SAY,’OH, I ASKEDAN INDIGENOUSPERSO N.'”
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