This improved approvals process will ensure top quality protection for the environment at a lower cost to Ontario taxpayers. It will also provide clarity and certainty for industry, municipalities and the small business owner. The Environmental Compensation Corporation. This is not a responsible use of taxpayers' dollars. We intend to wind down the business of the corporation.
Environmental safeguards remain in place.
The owners and controllers of spilled materials continue to be responsible for cleanup and compensation. The law is clear and unchanged. We propose an amendment giving the Ministry of Environment and Energy authority to recover administrative costs for some specific services. Mr. Speaker, the amendments I have just outlined will improve the Ministry of Environment and Energy's ability to meet its responsibilities, encourage economic growth and renewal, and deliver better environmental protection at less cost to the people of Ontario.