Hello there. As a proud…

Hello there. As a proud resident of this beautiful province, 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. Once an endangered species is extinct, there is no return - it is gone forever. How can we think that our short-term profits and speed to build is more important than protecting natural species? It feels completely wrong, to me.

Also concerning 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 feels like a short cut for insiders and friends of the government which undermines transparency, accountability and Ontario’s duty to uphold Indigenous rights and treaties.

Over my decades in business, I have learned that often, quick decisions without adequate consultation and thought, come back to haunt (business leaders and) governments. Even our/your own government has seen examples of this. This is one of those. 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 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. This is not important just to a few environmental people. This is important to all Ontarians. We all want to protect nature, and we are not willing to fast track building housing or any other profit-driven objective that puts that at risk.

Protecting nature is not a barrier to economic growth. It’s the foundation of a healthy, resilient society.
Seriously, this is one to put back on the shelf. We don't want short cuts like this. Withdraw Bill 5. Please.