For Real Estate Professionals
Dear Real Estate Stakeholders,
I am writing to express my concerns about Bill C-293, An Act respecting pandemic prevention and preparedness, which is currently being discussed in Parliament. It has passed 3 readings in the House of Commons and the first reading in the Senate. If you follow politics you will know that the Senate is stacked by Trudeau 76/100 seats, which pretty much means it gets a rubber stamp in the Senate. That is if the people remain silent, I am urging you and all fellow Canadians to take action.
As we evaluate the evolving regulatory landscape in Canada, it is crucial to consider not only the domestic implications of new legislation but also how it aligns with global agendas. Bill C-293, An Act Respecting Pandemic Prevention and Preparedness, while framed as a response to health risks, brings broader consequences for industries including real estate, agriculture, and land development. In particular, its alignment with international bodies like the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) through the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) raises significant concerns for the Canadian real estate market.
Bill C-293 mandates that the Government of Canada collaborate with international organizations, notably the WHO and UNEP, to implement pandemic prevention and preparedness strategies. The SDGs, central to Agenda 2030, focus heavily on sustainability, biodiversity protection, and climate action, priorities echoed in the bill’s provisions concerning land use, urbanization, and deforestation. This creates a direct link between Canadian real estate development and global sustainability goals, increasing the likelihood of more stringent land use regulations aimed at aligning with international climate objectives.
The bill emphasizes the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity, aligning with SDG Goal 15 (Life on Land), hence the real estate industry can anticipate increased pressure to comply with new restrictions that prioritize environmental conservation over expansion and profit.
The bill's call for collaboration with UNEP and WHO introduces external influence on Canada’s domestic policy, particularly regarding land use and commercial activities. This is significant because UNEP has been a vocal advocate for regulating industrial activities that impact ecosystems and contribute to climate change, including real estate development and agricultural practices. Bill C-293 specifically identifies industrial animal agriculture and other commercial activities as potential contributors to pandemic risk. This focus could lead to stricter regulation of large-scale agricultural operations, possibly even phasing out certain activities. Real estate owners and investors with agricultural or mixed-use land may face increased scrutiny, regulatory constraints, or even shifts in land value as the federal government moves to promote alternative commercial activities, including the production of alternative proteins. Does this open the door for the government to have a say on what goes on your dinner plate? Are those 'alternative proteins' bugs or 'beyond beef' kinds of synthetic meats? These concerns echo the statements of Sylvain Charlebois, the "Food Professor," who recently discussed these issues with Senator Pamela Wallin. Charlebois highlighted the risks of government overreach in food production and its potential to undermine Canada’s food security. See Link: http://rumble.com/v5gt4b9-seantor-pamela-wallin-on-bill-c-293.html
Decisions regarding land development, traditionally managed at municipal and provincial levels, may now be increasingly influenced by global bodies whose primary focus is on environmental sustainability and health risks(undefined), rather than economic growth or housing needs.
This dynamic could limit the autonomy of Canadian developers, investors, and landowners, who may face tighter constraints on the use of their land, including restrictions on urban expansion, rezoning for agricultural or industrial use, and commercial real estate projects. These global organizations favour policies that restrict urban sprawl, increase environmental assessments, and curb activities that could accelerate habitat destruction. Restricting urban sprawl is closely related to the concept of 15-minute cities, which are urban planning models designed to make essential services and amenities, such as work, schools, shops, healthcare, and recreation, accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from any residence. The goal of a 15-minute city is to reduce the need for long commutes and reliance on cars, promoting sustainability, livability, and community well-being. Implementing these programs under the guise of pandemic preparedness and of course promoting it is for the common good and public health.
In addition to foreign influence, Bill C-293 includes provisions that could lead to increased federal involvement in regulating land use. Specifically, the bill mandates the Minister of the Environment to provide a summary of changes in land use that could contribute to pandemic risk, such as deforestation, urbanization, and encroachment on wildlife habitats. Granting the federal government overreaching powers that encroach on provincial jurisdiction undermines the principles of federalism and weakens regional autonomy. Such actions disrupt the balance of power, marginalizing the ability of provinces to govern in areas traditionally under their control, such as education, healthcare, and local infrastructure. By stepping into provincial matters, the federal government risks eroding local accountability, limiting policy innovation, and creating tensions between levels of government. This centralization of authority not only diminishes the effectiveness of provincial governance but also threatens the diverse needs and preferences of local populations.
It is essential for real estate stakeholders to be aware of the potential long-term impacts of Bill C-293 and its alignment with the United Nations and global sustainability initiatives. The bill’s supposed focus on pandemic preparedness, while seemingly removed from real estate, has broad implications for land use, zoning laws, and commercial real estate development. By tying Canadian regulatory frameworks to international goals such as Agenda 2030 and UNEP’s environmental standards, Bill C-293 introduces a new layer of complexity that could fundamentally reshape the Canadian real estate landscape… opening the door for expropriations on a entirely new level.
Please go to http://StopC-293.ca for more information including interviews with Lawyer Lisa Miron as she goes thru each line of the bill and breaks it down for the lay person to understand the legal ramifications of this bill. While you are there please take the actions to motivate our elected officials to Stop this bill from advancing thru the Senate.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to discussing how we can address these concerns and ensure that your industry is not unfairly burdened by this legislation.
Sincerely,