BILL 66

It is highly likely that we are all paying more attention to the politics and to the, shall we say, "more interesting" politicians south of our border (and even to those in Brazil) than we are to the issues and elected individuals up here. Even I confess to reading more articles about Stormy Daniels than softwood lumber. But, like you, I have resolved to be better this year and even if I am not, I do believe that we would all be better off if we spent more of our energy on local matters.
Which brings me to Bill 66, Restoring Ontario's Competitiveness Act, which follows Bill 47, Making Ontario Open for Business Act. Judging from the titles, who could be opposed? That great 'Canadian' company GM just largely left the province and the truly Canadian Barrick Gold is likely soon to leave Toronto. It is surely time to stimulate business investment, create good jobs and make Ontario more competitive, all things which the Bills are designed to do.
Unfortunately our restoration seems to be possible only if there is a massive reduction in regulations. Unfortunately, as well, the reduction in red tape is likely to result in a major increase in green things such as algae blooms. Bill 66 could only be more controversial if it was renumbered Bill 666.
Put simply, Bill 66 involves major labour and environmental issues. If you are a developer or builder you are likely to be in favour. If you are concerned about climate change or the environment you are likely to be opposed. If you are against asinine regulations, but enjoy your cottage on the lake, you are likely to be conflicted.
The legislation is important and it will be worth your while to read up on it.
Sources:
   Information about the Bill is found at the OLA. I would begin, however, with the Wikipedia entry which is not likely to be high in your list of search results. It is here.
   I am attempting to be impartial. It is the case, however, that your google search will likely yield results that are opposed to Bill 66. Nature and environmental groups are opposed as are many labour organizations. I looked for arguments from the other side, but was not very successful. I went to the site of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, but their search doesn't seem to work very well. Since the CFIB is about to launch their 9th Annual Red Tape Awareness Week on Jan. 22, it is not too difficult to make an assumption about their position.
   Among your google results you might want to consider those from law firms that specialize in HR/Labour Issues such as: Blakes.com, Filion.on.ca and Stikeman.com.
   For environmental websites see "Bill 66: What You Need to Know" at Ontario Nature and environmentaldefence,ca
   Links are not provided because there is not much worse than "link rot" and I generally avoid including them for that reason.
   Here are some very recent results from news sources. Most seem to be negative, but I just grabbed them in chronological order and did not filter them.
"Consequences of Bill 66 could be devastating,"New Hamburg Independent, 11 January 2019
"They never learn," The London Free Press, Roy Merkley, Saturday, 12 January 2019, [letter]
"Bill 66 is all wrong," Waterloo Region Record, James Akeroyd. Waterloo, Saturday, 12 January 2019
"Local advocates look for municipalities to reject province's plans in Bill 66," New Hamburg Independent, Friday, 11 January 2019,
"OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Local activists, politicians voice concerns about Greenbelt, water protection with Bill 66, Orangeville Banner, Wednesday, 09 January 2019
"Bill 66 - A danger to the environment and our health,"Thornhill Liberal, Wednesday, 09 January 2019,
"Local advocates look for municipalities to reject province's plans in Bill 66,"New Hamburg Independent, Wednesday, 09 January 2019,
Waterloo Federation opposes Bill 66,"Today's Farmer, Tuesday, 08 January 2019
"Ontario bill 'offensive' threat to city water supply, The London Free Press, Norman De Bono, Monday, 07 January 2019
"Opinion: Is Ontario entering Dark Ages with new bill?,"Whitby This Week, Monday, 07 January 2019,
Post Script:
     If, after during your research, you feel opposed, there is a good petition against Bill 66 found on the website of the Ontario Rivers Alliance - http://www.ontarioriversalliance.ca/
    I mentioned algae blooms, which are not uncommon around here on Lake Erie. I do recall this summer that I was surprised to learn that they had blossomed way up north on Lake Superior. See, for example, "Scientists Investigating 'Unprecedented Algae Bloom on Lake Superior, Dan Kraker, Aug. 14, 2018, MPRNEWS.