I very strongly oppose Bill…

I very strongly oppose Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act. This legislation IS a serious threat to Ontario’s democratic processes, environment, natural heritage and Indigenous peoples’ rights.

Bill 5 will repeal the Endangered Species Act. This Act is paramount as a security to protect at-risk wildlife and necessary ecosystems. As Doug Ford, and Sylvia Jones (MPP Dufferin-Caledon) have shown no desire to ensure the long-term health of the ecological community, Bill 5 would only ensure their continuing rape and pillage of our precious environment. The unenforceable measures and diminishing goals will without question lead to further decline of all species; not only those already beyond “at risk”.

As in keeping with Doug Ford’s agenda, this deregulation puts industrial gain ahead of any environmental supports.

Even more alarming is the creation of “special economic zones”. By doing so, free access is allowed to major development without crucial environmental assessments, public input or respect of Indigenous rights and LEGAL, BINDING Land Treaties.The only beneficiaries of Bill 5 will once again be Doug Ford’s developer friends who thrive on lack of transparency and accountability.

Ford was elected by Ontarians who clearly want a say in decisions affecting our land, water and future.

Bill 5 will revoke our rights, as Ontarians entitled to a secure environmental future, by silencing our voices, excluding critical scientific data and erasing decades of hard-won progress.

With the utmost passion, I urge the Government of Ontario, to withdraw Bill 5 in its entirety. To ensure a sustainable future for our children and children’s children, working with environmental experts, the public and Indigenous leaders is the ONLY way forward. By legislating Bill 5, the erosion of environmental protections will lead to economic decay.

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