By Abdul Matin Sarfraz / Canada’s National Observer / Local Journalism Initiative, Canada’s National Observer For the first time since passing its contentious Bill 5, the Ford government is proposing rules for how Special Economic Zones will work and asking for public comment. The move comes after months of pushback from municipalities, experts, First Nations and advocates who warned the law is one of the most sweeping environmental rollbacks in Ontario’s history, sidelining science, public input and Indigenous rights. Under Bill 5, which is widely seen as favouring developers and extractive industries, Special Economic Zones gave the government sweeping powers to override provincial laws, environmental assessments and consultations to fast-track major projects. In its draft framework posted Thursday, the government says the criteria are meant to ensure Special Economic Zones…
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