Home 99.1 News MPPs Limit Debate on Bill 5 Ahead of Third and Final Reading

MPPs Limit Debate on Bill 5 Ahead of Third and Final Reading

Hundreds of area residents stood outside of the Ken Houston arena in Dresden on May 5, 2025 to protest a proposed landfill site neat the town. (Photo by Kirk Dickinson/CKXS News)

A local MPP was nowhere to be found at Queens Park as legislators voted on restricting further debate on the controversial Bill 5.

The legislation would remove the need for an environmental assessment or First Nations consultation in order to fast-track plans to reopen and expand a dormant landfill near Dresden.

Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault’s seat was empty as a motion to limit debate on the Bill was passed 71-42. The legislation is expected to be back on the table today for third reading with just one hour of debate, and a final vote.

Plans to reopen the landfill site have been met with significant public opposition since they were made public in early 2024. Chatham-Kent Council and municipal administration have also unanimously opposed the project in any form.