I strongly oppose Bill 5,…

I strongly oppose Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act. This legislation poses a serious threat to Ontario’s natural heritage and democratic processes.
Bill 5 proposes to repeal the Endangered Species Act - one of the few tools we have to protect at-risk wildlife and ecosystems they depend on. Replacing it with vague “goals” and unenforceable measures will lead to further decline of species already on the brink. This is not modernization. It is 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 development friends undermines transparency and accountability.
We have not asked for weaker protections or less say in decisions that affect our land, water and future. Bill 5 would silence community voices, marginalize science and erase decades of hard-won environmental progress.
I urge the Ontario government to withdraw Bill 5 in it’s entirety and instead work with environmental experts and the public to strengthen - not dismantle - our systems of environmental protection.
Protecting nature is not a barrier to economic growth. It’s the foundation of a healthy and just society.