As an Ontario resident and…

As an Ontario resident and mother to a 16-year-old child, I strongly oppose Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act.

Bill 5 attempts to take away my voice and the voice of every Ontarian about how we want our government to serve and protect the province now and for the future. I'm incensed that the provincial government believes it's appropriate to make decisions about vital aspects of life in this province without consultation by the the very organizations and people who are here to serve and protect it - or by its own citizens.

One of the reasons Canada is such a great country - and Ontario is such a great province - to live in is that we honour people's rights. That we're respectful, collaborative and thoughtful. That we consider each other in our decision making. That we want what's best for ourselves and everyone around us.

But Bill 5 disregards this entirely. It assumes everyone in Ontario wants what the creators of Bill 5 want. And that simply isn't true. It also isn't true that Bill 5 is the only way Ontario can move forward in the current economic environment. We can move forward in very clear, positive ways that still honour our natural heritage, Indigenous rights, and the democratic process.

But it requires something stronger and more courageous than Bill 5. It requires us to collaborate and work together. To consider every citizen in this province including Indigenous peoples. To think about the environment and how we relate to it in a more holistic way. To stand up for and protect both the people of this province - and the land and natural environment that are also such a vital, connected part of our lives here.

As a proud Canadian and proud Ontarian I don't want to see the province decimated by a Bill that will harm so much and so many, even as it strives to do good. Trying to do good at the expense of our natural heritage, Indigenous rights, and the democratic process is not what being an Ontarian is about.

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, and find a way forward in today's world that is both modern and innovative, people-focused and inclusive. We have an opportunity to move forward and show the world who and what Ontario is - and do it with pride, respect and integrity.

Protecting nature is not a barrier to economic growth. It’s the foundation of a healthy, resilient and just society.

Thank you.