I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my concern regarding Bill 5, the “Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025.” This legislation proposes to repeal the Ontario Endangered Species Act and replace it with the weaker Species Conservation Act, a move that I believe threatens Ontario’s biodiversity, Indigenous rights, and environmental integrity.

Under Schedule 10 of the bill, habitat protections for species at risk would be dramatically reduced. The new definition of “habitat” would exclude vital areas beyond an animal’s immediate dwelling place, undermining recovery efforts and ignoring ecological realities. Even more alarming is the shift away from science-based listing and permitting processes to a discretionary regime controlled by the government, allowing species and habitats to go unprotected for political or economic reasons.

The bill also proposes to:

Eliminate protections for many migratory birds and aquatic species;

Fast-track mining and development projects, even in sensitive areas like the Ring of Fire;

Establish “special economic zones” where environmental laws can be bypassed entirely;

Gut environmental assessments and sidestep Indigenous consultation and consent.

These changes amount to a reckless destruction of decades of hard-won environmental protections. Ontario’s natural heritage, our wetlands, forests, wildlife, and waterways cannot be sacrificed for short-term economic gain.