I strongly oppose Bill 5,…

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.

Bill 5 proposes to repeal the Endangered Species Act — one of the few tools we have to protect at-risk wildlife and the ecosystems they depend on. Replacing it with vague “goals” and unenforceable measures will lead to the further decline of species already on the brink. This proposed bill is not modernization, but rather 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, environmental and climate change needs, as well as 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. In no way, shape, or form was the provincial Conservative government elected to erase our natural world.

I urge the Ontario government to immediately withdraw Bill 5 in its entirety; while putting in place the alternate process of working with environmental experts, Indigenous leaders, and the public to strengthen — not dismantle and gut — our systems for environmental and biodiversity protections.

Protecting nature is not a barrier to economic growth. It’s the foundation of a healthy, resilient, democratic, and just society.