As a concerned Ontario…

As a concerned Ontario resident, I strongly oppose Bill 5, the “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025.” This legislation threatens our environment, undermines Indigenous rights, and diminishes public participation in land-use decisions.

Bill 5 proposes the replacement of the Endangered Species Act with a weaker Species Conservation Act, jeopardizing protections for at-risk species and their habitats . The introduction of Special Economic Zones would grant the provincial cabinet extensive powers to bypass environmental assessments and local planning controls, sidelining community input and Indigenous sovereignty .

Moreover, the bill continues a pattern of the Ontario government bypassing its constitutional duty to consult Indigenous communities on decisions affecting their rights and territories . This disregard for Indigenous consultation and environmental oversight not only violates legal obligations but also erodes public trust in the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability . 

I urge the Ontario government to withdraw Bill 5 and engage in transparent, inclusive policymaking that respects ecological integrity, Indigenous rights, and the voices of all Ontarians.