Toronto, Ont./ Traditional territories of several First Nations including the Williams Treaties First Nations, Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Chippewas, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation — Ecojustice director of law reform, Muhannad Malas issued the following statement in response to the re-election of Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative government:
“Ecojustice congratulates Premier Ford on his re-election in Ontario and urges the newly re-elected government to demonstrate environmental leadership and protect communities, workers and Ontario’s vital ecosystems during this time of economic uncertainty.
“We are seeing a growing trend of political leaders cynically using the environmental regulation rollbacks south of the border and U.S.-Canada trade war to push a deregulation agenda and propose reckless policies that only benefit mega corporations and leave the environment and communities behind. This does not need to happen in Ontario.
“We urge Premier Ford to reconsider plans to undermine meaningful environmental assessment and Indigenous consultation processes for developing the Ring of Fire. Keeping Ontario competitive should not mean further lining the pockets of mining executives at the expense of Indigenous communities, working-class Ontarians and the environment. Instead, Ontario should prioritize the recovery of critical minerals from tailings and at the end of a product’s life, and leverage deposits in existing mines and infrastructure to meet current demand.
“In a world moving away from fossil fuels, Ontario must reverse course on actions that lock in dirty energy. Switching from fossil gas to clean electricity for heating buildings would vastly cut emissions and make life more affordable. We also call on Ontario to repeal its unlawful legislation that mandates the removal of important bike lanes that ensure people get around safely and sustainably.
“Bold environmental protection is key to the economic transformation that Ontarians need today. We look forward to opportunities to work with the government on solutions that can create sustainable and inclusive economic prosperity for Ontarians.
“Ecojustice will be keeping a close eye on what the Ford government does in the coming months and will be ready, if needed, to use the power of the law to defend nature, combat climate change, and fight for a healthy environment for all.”
About
Ecojustice uses the power of the law to defend nature, combat climate change and fight for a healthy environment. Its strategic, public interest lawsuits and advocacy lead to precedent-setting court decisions, law and policy that deliver lasting solutions to Canada’s most urgent environmental problems. As Canada’s largest environmental law charity, Ecojustice operates offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.
