As expected, a controversial bill has passed at Queen's Park despite strong opposition from MPPs and Indigenous communities.
Bill 5, dubbed by the Ford government as the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, gives the province the power to suspend provincial and municipal laws and remove some environmental protections for selected projects in areas deemed to have economic importance.
The bill passed on Wednesday afternoon by a vote of 71-44.
Many MPPs in opposition called for the bill to be defeated, without success.
"This is a shameful day for our province. Doug Ford and his government have silenced communities, shut down debate, and pulled out all the stops to force through legislation that is nothing but a thinly veiled power grab," Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles said. "Today, the government gave themselves unprecedented power, to create no-law zones anywhere they want, to do whatever they want. Premier Ford is using Donald Trump’s tariff threats to give himself the power to do away with laws with the stroke of a pen. They are ignoring their treaty obligations. But the fight against Bill 5 is far from over."
Ontario Liberal Party parliamentary leader John Fraser said Bill 5 gives the province "sovereign" Trump-like power.
Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner called Bill 5 "a flawed bill" that disrespects municipalities.
Ontario Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce said the province will continue to consult with the public, including First Nations, prompting some to call the bill rushed and not ready.
Lecce noted Ontario must continue to "build up" and can't be left behind, adding the provincial government has a duty to protect Canadian resources.
Queen's Park was home to a large protest on Monday calling on the province to "kill" the bill.