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ARTICLE · 30 APRIL 2012

Bill 55 And Public Participation

Siskinds LLP
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Dalton McGuinty is Ontario’s greenest Premier, and his government has a strong environmental record (especially in contrast to our federal government!) But environmental groups are raising concerns about Bill 55, the proposed Strong Action for Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2012.

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Dalton McGuinty is Ontario's greenest Premier, and his government has a strong environmental record (especially in contrast to our federal government!) But environmental groups are raising concerns about Bill 55, the proposed Strong Action for Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2012. Bill 55 amends numerous statutes, including 11 environmental (or related) laws. Because these amendments form part of a bill that is intended to give effect to the provincial budget, the proposed changes are exempted from the mandatory public participation provisions under the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993 (EBR, section 33).

In his most recent Annual Report, the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario was critical of the government's continued use of omnibus legislation to amend various environmental statutes. At best, using omnibus legislation to amend environmental laws complicates the EBR process. At worst, it can obstruct the public's right to participate in environmental

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