Environmental groups launch constitutional challenge over Ontario’s special economic zones
Written by The Canadian Press on April 8, 2026
TORONTO — Several environmental groups have launched a constitutional challenge seeking to kill an Ontario law that allows cabinet to suspend other laws.
Wildlands League, Environmental Defence Canada, Friends of the Earth Canada and Democracy Watch allege Ontario’s special economic zone law wrongly abdicates power from the legislature and gives it to cabinet, thereby violating the Constitution.
Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative government passed Bill 5, which included the special economic zone provision, last year.
The provision allows cabinet and the environment minister to suspend any and all provincial and municipal laws within such zones as they see fit.
The province has said the aim is to speed up the approval and construction of large projects, including mines.
Ford has said he will designate Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport as a special economic zone as he plans to expand it to allow jets to operate there.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 8, 2026.
Liam Casey, The Canadian Press