I am writing to you today…

I am writing to you today about concerns I have surrounding Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act. Specifically, Schedule 10 of the Act would repeal the Ontario Endangered Species Act and replace it with the Species Conservation Act. I am strongly opposed to Bill 5

The Species Conservation Act does not sufficiently cover the protections of Ontario’s wildlife endangered or otherwise. As I know your priority is to ensure economic growth I implore you not to sacrifice the things that make Ontario so special. Our greatest strength is in our green spaces and trails. This is what makes Ontario such a desirable place to live. A large part of this is ensuring that our wildlife is afforded the protections and habitat that they require to thrive. Do not sacrifice the very thing that makes living in Ontario desirable as this will have a negative impact on all sectors.

The Special Economic Zones Act (Schedule 9) would grant unprecedented powers to the Provincial Cabinet and could allow corporations or individuals to avoid any laws and by-laws in entire areas of Ontario. There are no limits, no rules, and no public input. This is not how democracy works.

The new Species Conservation Act (Schedules 2 & 10) would strip away real protections for at-risk species and their habitats. Science and recovery planning are being replaced by an empty process that can’t protect our wildlife.

The exemption for the Eagle’s Nest mine (Schedule 3) removes the need for a full environmental assessment — ignoring the serious risks to climate-critical peatlands and Indigenous territory. This goes against Canada’s commitments to reconciliation and climate action

I urge you to remove any verbiage from Bill 5 that would remove or change the protections of our wildlife.