I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my unequivocal opposition to Ontario Bill 5, the so-called “Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025.”

This bill represents a reckless and unprecedented assault on environmental protections, Indigenous rights, and the democratic process in Ontario.

Bill 5 Guts Environmental Protections and Threatens Biodiversity:

Bill 5 proposes to repeal Ontario’s Endangered Species Act (ESA), a law that has, for nearly 20 years, provided critical safeguards for our province’s most vulnerable species and their habitats. The replacement, the “Species Conservation Act,” is a hollowed-out framework that eliminates meaningful protections:

•Removes habitat protection: Instead of protecting the ecosystems endangered and threatened species depend on, the new act would only protect individual dens or nests, leaving the broader environment open to destruction.
•Eliminates recovery strategies: The requirement for science-based recovery plans and government accountability is scrapped, virtually ensuring continued decline and possible extinction of species.

•Political interference: The bill gives cabinet the power to add or remove species from the protected list at will, sidelining scientific expertise and opening the door to decisions based on political convenience, not evidence.

•No meaningful oversight: Enforcement officers lose the ability to issue stop orders, and the public’s right to challenge harmful decisions is drastically reduced.

The consequences are dire: Ontario is already home to over 200 species at risk, and habitat loss is the leading cause of biodiversity decline. Weakening protections further will accelerate the loss of wildlife and natural heritage that Ontarians cherish.

Bill 5 Endangers Clean Water, Air, and Public Health:

By allowing “trusted proponents” to bypass any law-including those protecting clean water, air quality, and public health-Bill 5 puts communities at risk.

The bill’s “Special Economic Zones” would let the government exempt industry from both provincial and municipal laws, with no requirement to consider the impacts on public safety or environmental health. This is not responsible economic development; it is deregulation at the expense of Ontarians’ well-being.

Bill 5 Violates Indigenous Rights and Ignores the Duty to Consult:

The bill makes no mention of Ontario’s constitutional duty to consult with Indigenous nations, despite targeting Treaty 9 lands and other Indigenous territories for accelerated mining and development.

This blatant disregard for Indigenous rights and sovereignty is unacceptable and will invite legal challenges and further erode trust between the province and First Nations.

Bill 5 Is a Blank Cheque for Industry, Not a Plan for Prosperity:

Proponents claim Bill 5 is necessary to counter economic threats and U.S. tariffs, but there is no evidence that gutting environmental laws or sidelining Indigenous voices will deliver sustainable prosperity.

Instead, the bill hands unchecked power to cabinet to pick winners and losers, undermines transparency, and increases the risk of corruption. Ontario’s prosperity depends on healthy communities, clean water, and a thriving natural environment-not short-term gains for a select few.

Conclusion: Bill 5 Must Be Withdrawn

Bill 5 is a direct attack on Ontario’s environment, democracy, and Indigenous rights. It is out of step with science, public values, and the urgent need to protect biodiversity and build a sustainable economy. I urge the government to withdraw this dangerous legislation immediately and to engage in genuine consultation with Indigenous nations, scientists, and the public to develop policies that protect both Ontario’s environment and its future prosperity.

Protect Ontario-reject Bill 5.