I strongly oppose Bill 5,…

I strongly oppose Bill 5, which prioritizes short-term industrial interests over long-term environmental protection, public participation, and Indigenous rights.

This bill proposes dangerous rollbacks of critical environmental safeguards by exempting projects like the Ontario Place redevelopment from the Environmental Bill of Rights. It silences community voices, strips away transparency, and undermines the democratic process.

Even more concerning is the weakening of species-at-risk protections—reducing “habitat” to mere nesting spots while ignoring the broader ecosystems these species depend on. It’s not just reckless—it’s biologically illiterate.

Worst of all, Bill 5 disregards the Crown’s duty to consult Indigenous communities on development projects affecting their territories. This is a blatant violation of Indigenous rights and flies in the face of reconciliation.

There is nothing “protective” about this bill. It invites unchecked ecological harm and deepens public mistrust in government accountability. I urge the Government of Ontario to withdraw Bill 5 in its current form and commit to transparent, inclusive, and environmentally responsible policymaking.