In his annual report released earlier today, Ontario’s Environment Commissioner Gord Miller called for government legislation to stop big developers from threatening citizens with so-called SLAPPs - lawsuits requiring that citizen groups pay developer legal expenses or other damages for hearings.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath tabled an anti-SLAPP bill last year which would have allowed the dismissal of such lawsuits at an early stage and would have stopped planning processes from proceeding where SLAPP tactics were used.

NDP Environment Critic Peter Tabuns commended Mr. Miller for recognizing that SLAPP suits are scaring citizens away from participating in the planning process - to the detriment of the environment.

“The government has stood idly by while developers have silenced their critics with million dollar lawsuits,” said Tabuns.

“Ontarians should be supported in speaking up against environmental dangers of large scale development - not be threatened with the loss of their homes and savings.”

In Question Period, Tabuns accused Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Jim Watson of taking the side of developers by refusing to condemn SLAPP suits and by signing backroom deals with Geranium Corporation after the developer had sought to sue Innisfil community members.

Minister Watson refused to acknowledge the need for anti-SLAPP legislation, saying that the Ontario Municipal Board’s current process is adequate.