The Protect Ontario by…

ERO number

025-0416

Comment ID

141197

Commenting on behalf of

Individual

Comment status

Comment approved More about comment statuses

Comment

The Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025, is a misleadingly titled piece of legislation that prioritizes short-term economic interests over long-term environmental protection, public consultation, and responsible land use planning.

This Act weakens critical safeguards that protect our natural heritage, undermines local decision-making, and limits the ability of communities to have a say in how development occurs in their own backyards. By fast-tracking projects and sidelining environmental assessments, it opens the door to unchecked sprawl and threatens ecologically sensitive areas, including wetlands, farmland, and endangered species habitats.

Furthermore, the Act erodes trust in democratic processes by centralizing power and removing oversight. Ontario's economy should be driven by sustainable development that balances growth with environmental stewardship and respect for Indigenous rights—not reckless deregulation.

This Act is not a plan for prosperity; it's a step backward. We urge the government to repeal or substantially revise this legislation and commit to policies that genuinely protect Ontario’s people, environment, and future.