I strongly oppose Bill 5,…

I strongly oppose Bill 5, the “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025,” as it poses a significant threat to Ontario’s biodiversity and the integrity of our environmental protections.

By repealing the Endangered Species Act, 2007, and introducing the weaker Species Conservation Act, 2025, this bill undermines decades of progress in safeguarding at-risk species and their habitats. The shift to a “registration-first” approach allows potentially harmful activities to proceed without thorough environmental assessments or meaningful oversight, prioritizing economic interests over ecological responsibility.

Furthermore, granting the Cabinet discretion to determine which species receive protection politicizes conservation efforts, sidelining scientific expertise and evidence-based decision-making. The redefinition of “habitat” to narrowly focus on immediate nesting or denning sites ignores the broader ecosystems essential for species’ survival, such as feeding grounds and migratory paths.

The creation of “special economic zones” exempt from provincial regulations sets a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to unchecked development and further habitat destruction.

Ontario’s natural heritage is invaluable, not only for its intrinsic ecological worth but also for the ecosystem services it provides, including clean air, water filtration, and climate regulation. Eroding environmental protections jeopardizes these benefits and the well-being of current and future generations.

I urge the government to:
1. Withdraw Bill 5 in its entirety.
2. Reinstate and strengthen the Endangered Species Act, 2007, ensuring it is grounded in scientific research and includes robust enforcement mechanisms.
3. Engage in meaningful consultations with Indigenous communities, scientists, and the public to develop policies that balance economic development with ecological sustainability.

Protecting Ontario’s biodiversity is not just an environmental imperative but a moral and social responsibility.