This bill “Protect Ontario…

This bill “Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025” is an appalling move that tramples over Indigenous rights, environmental protections, and community consultation. This legislation will slash regulatory oversight, silences local voices, and opens the floodgates to unchecked mining and industrial development.

This new proposal prioritizes business, private interest, and capital over biodiversity and it is unacceptable.

The Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada says that "among [this bill's] most sweeping changes is the proposed repeal of the Endangered Species Act, 2007, to be replaced with a significantly weakened version, titled the Species Conservation Act, 2025." Adding that, "the proposed Special Economic Zones Act appears to be concentrating power in the hands of Cabinet without transparency or clear parameters - raising questions about whether this is a genuine policy tool or a vehicle to bypass public and environmental accountability."

The Wilderness Committee says that Bill 5 is a death sentence for endangered species and their habitats in Ontario. Far from ‘'protecting’ Ontario, these cuts will give sweeping powers to cabinet to benefit a select few developers and industries at the expense of the public good."

This is unacceptable. Cutting red tape at the expense of our natural habitats on top of evading public accountability is an absolute disgrace to this province and its people.

We know that biodiversity is fundamental to a livable future and that of our children. We all know that Ford funnels money to his developer friends by cutting back environmental protections (see Greenbelt scandal of 2022). Surely, the Premiere should have the interest of Ontarian's at heart and not developers. This Bill is clearly in the interest of the latter. Bill 5 will only help developers, not the people of Ontario.

As a registered voter, I am calling on the Ontario government to walk away from Bill 5. I vehemently oppose this legislation and will defend protections for the natural environments Ontarians need and love.

Do better.