Bill 5 is undemocratic,…

Bill 5 is undemocratic, unconstitutional, and irresponsible. Shifting powers currently held by the legislature to ministers further removes Ontarians from decisions made about our province thus reducing accountability. It invites corruption by shifting power from the 124 elected officials, to individual, appointed ministers. It is unconstitutional because it undermines the Province's Duty to Consult with affected First Nations communities in so called "special economic zones". Finally, it is irresponsible because it weakens environmental protections that protect water, fragile ecosystems, and endangered species.

The "red tape" the Ford government is trying to "cut" wasn't implemented out of boredom or malice. That "red tape" represents generations of Indigenous people, activists, and legislatures working hard to protect constitutional rights, and the land that sustains us. In an era of unprecedented environmental degradation and accelerated climate change, any bill that weakens environmental protections is prioritizing the short-term interests of a few while sacrificing the future of everyone else.