Canada

Here’s what the bill actually does: it lets the premier designate any piece of land in Ontario a “special economic zone.” Inside that zone, Ford and his cabinet can override any provincial law — environmental, labour, planning — you name it. They can then invite businesses to operate on terms they alone define. In effect, cabinet gets to pick which laws apply, to whom and where.

What could go wrong? Consider this: a politically connected developer wants to build on environmentally sensitive land. Community members oppose it. Laws protect it. But now, the premier can designate it a “special economic zone,” sidestep those laws and green light the project. There is no public appeal. No independent review.