Ontario Premier Doug Ford is advocating for the rapid acceleration of infrastructure projects in response to the challenges posed by U.S. tariffs. He criticized the prolonged processes involved in environmental assessments, suggesting that such delays hinder progress. Ford's comments follow backlash against a proposed bill, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, which could grant the government significant leeway in bypassing certain environmental laws. Critics have raised alarms about potential harm to environmental regulations, particularly concerning the treatment of endangered species. Ford reinforces his commitment to conducting environmental assessments but questions their timelines.
Ford emphasized the need for rapid progress on infrastructure projects amid challenges like U.S. tariffs, stating, 'We just want to get projects moving forward as quickly as possible.' He advocated for reducing lengthy environmental assessments and emphasized the importance of constructing essential facilities like 'roads and highways and hospitals and schools and bridges.'
The proposed Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act has faced criticism for potentially undermining environmental protections, including repealing the Endangered Species Actâ'We always do' ensure assessments, Ford stated, but is concerned about the lengthy process of five years for each.
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