Haste makes waste is an old…

Haste makes waste is an old saying that seems appropriate when dealing with precious and vulnerable habitat for many endangered creatures. I strongly oppose Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act. This legislation poses a serious threat to Ontario’s natural heritage, democratic processes and Indigenous rights by speeding up the permit process at the expense of Ontario's remaining natural areas.

The vague “goals” and unenforceable measures of Bill 5 will lead to the further decline of species already on the brink. This is not modernization. It’s deregulation that puts short-term industrial gain ahead of long-term ecological and community health.

Equally alarming is the creation of “special economic zones” that would allow cabinet to approve major development projects without proper environmental assessment, public input or Indigenous consultation. This short cut for Ford’s friends undermines transparency, accountability and Ontario’s duty to uphold Indigenous rights and treaties.

Ontarians have not asked for weaker protections or less say in decisions that affect the province’s land, water and future. Bill 5 would silence community voices, marginalize science and erase decades of hard-won environmental progress.

I urge the Ontario government to withdraw Bill 5 in its entirety and instead work with environmental experts, Indigenous leaders and the public to strengthen — not dismantle — our systems of environmental protection.

Protecting nature is not a barrier to economic growth. It’s the foundation of a healthy, resilient and just society. And as many studies have shown, "nature" contributes billions to our economy in the form of pollination, water quality improvements, CO2 sequestration and on and on. To bulldoze it really is a foolish and shortsighted move.