Residents of Ontario have a…

Residents of Ontario have a duty to protect the province’s beautifully rich eco-systems and bountiful reserve of fresh water for all humanity for generations to come—not to succumb to the greed that fuels Donald Trump’s and Elon Musk’s rush for critical minerals and that Doug Ford is mimicking. Bill 5 will end up selling the province off to the US for the gain of Doug Ford and his “friends.”

For’d majority win in the February election was not a mandate to undermine the endangered species act and legal protection of Indigenous peoples.

Ford claims the bill is an attempt to bolster the Ontario economy in the face of U.S. tariffs. In actuality, it is a complex and sprawling omnibus bill with disturbing implications for endangered species, clean energy and Indigenous rights—throughout Ontario and not only in the “ring of fire.” For instance, the redefinition of plant and animal habitat in Bill 5 is far too restricted and will ensure extinction of many species. It will eliminate protection for important wetlands in Southern Ontario, putting mining and excavation rights above the right to clean water and air. Its deliberate vagueness opens the door to the elimination of all environmental protections in the province. Shame on Doug Ford and his government for generations of living beings to come.