Comment
I strongly oppose Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act. This legislation poses a serious threat to Ontario’s natural heritage, democratic processes and Indigenous rights.
Bill 5 proposes to repeal the Endangered Species Act — one of the few tools we have to protect at-risk wildlife and the ecosystems they depend on. Replacing it with vague “goals” and unenforceable measures will lead to the further decline of species already on the brink. This is not modernization. It’s deregulation that puts short-term industrial gain ahead of long-term ecological and community health.
Equally alarming is the creation of “special economic zones” that would allow cabinet to approve major development projects without proper environmental assessment, public input or Indigenous consultation. This short cut for Ford’s friends undermines transparency, accountability and Ontario’s duty to uphold Indigenous rights and treaties.
In short this legislation will only protect a very small part of Ontario with its implementation: that of the premier's friends. We need to keep in place the laws that also speak for those who cannot speak for themselves (wildlife) and those whose voices are often ignored (indigenous voices).
I also think it strange that Ontario is supposedly standing up to Trump by implementing new laws that Trump would be proud to implement himself. Thank you.
Submitted May 13, 2025 1:27 PM
Comment on
Proposed interim changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and a proposal for the Species Conservation Act, 2025
ERO number
025-0380
Comment ID
141454
Commenting on behalf of
Comment status