Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady is raising alarms about transparency and accountability at Queen’s Park, directly challenging Premier Doug Ford over what she sees as a dangerous pattern of broken promises and undemocratic governance under Bill 5.
Citing recent developments in Dresden, where the government reversed its commitment to an environmental assessment (EA) on a landfill site, Brady warned that constituents in Haldimand-Norfolk are watching closely—and growing wary of what’s next for the Nanticoke area.
Brady’s concerns come amid escalating controversy over Bill 5, a sweeping piece of legislation the Ford government is fast-tracking before the summer break.
The bill gives cabinet the authority to suspend provincial and municipal laws for select projects in designated “Special Economic Zones” and allows exemptions from consultation with Indigenous communities. Critics argue it also weakens environmental protections, including for endangered species.
First Nations leaders and environmental advocates have condemned the bill, with several hundred protesters gathering at Queen’s Park yesterday (Monday) chanting “Kill Bill 5” and calling for the legislation to be withdrawn. Many First Nations groups say the bill disregards their rights and bypasses any notion of partnership or consultation.
While Environment Minister Andrea Khanjin told the legislature that the Dresden site would still require an environmental approval, Brady questioned why the EA exemption remained in the legislation.
The NDP and Liberals attempted to delay Bill 5’s progress last week during committee hearings by using procedural tools, arguing the bill deserves more scrutiny.
Despite that, Government House Leader Steve Clark has moved to limit debate further, allowing just one hour of discussion before a final vote at third reading.
Several other bills are also being expedited with minimal or no committee hearings—some receiving just 30 minutes of third-reading debate in total.
Opposition parties have slammed the move, calling it undemocratic and a sign of a government unwilling to listen.
“This issue will continue to stink far beyond the next election,” Brady warned. “It’s not just about Dresden or Nanticoke anymore—it’s about how this government treats its own people, its process, and its promises.”