Minto council requests Ontario government to reject Bill 5

MINTO – Council here shared some strong opinions about Bill 5, known as the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, at a June 3 meeting.

Comments came after council received a letter from the Municipality of Kincardine, which has formally requested the Ontario Government reject Bill 5.

“I find it very disturbing,” deputy mayor Jean Anderson told council.

She explained the bill creates environmental hazards, removes environmental protections and efforts for endangered animals, and tramples Indigenous rights.

“There’s just so many things that are wrong with this based on our supposed democratic system of government,” Anderson said.

Councillor Paul Zimmerman agreed with Anderson, stating, “It’s frightful actually and I hate to say that our premier (Doug Ford) is acting like [the] fellow from down south, but that’s kind of the way it seems.”

“It needs to stop,” he continued. “I am strongly opposed to Bill 5.”

Mayor Dave Turton noted he attended a discussion at Queen’s Park in Toronto the day prior to the meeting.

According to him, a lengthy discussion occurred during question period regarding the bill.

“The premier (Ford) was asked to rescind and start again and try and get it right,” Turton said.

During this period, Deputy Premier Sylvia Jones spoke on behalf of Premier Ford as he wasn’t in attendance.

According to Turton she stated, the government is “well aware” that people are concerned.

“We want to let them know that this is not the way Ontario should be governed,” stated Anderson.

She put forward a motion for council to send a formal request to the Ontario government stating the town would also like Bill 5 to be revoked.

Council approved the motion unanimously and a letter is to be sent to MPP Matthew Rae, Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce.

Reporter