I am firmly opposed to Bill…

I am firmly opposed to Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act. This bill represents a grave threat to Ontario’s natural heritage, democratic accountability, and Indigenous rights.

Bill 5 seeks to repeal the Endangered Species Act — one of the few remaining safeguards for at-risk wildlife and the fragile ecosystems they rely on. Replacing it with vague targets and unenforceable measures is not modernization — it's reckless deregulation. This approach would accelerate the decline of species already teetering on the edge and sacrifice long-term environmental health for short-term industrial interests.

Even more concerning is the proposal to create “special economic zones” that would allow major development projects to proceed without environmental assessments, public consultation, or the free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous communities. This is a direct attack on transparency, accountability, and Ontario’s obligations under Indigenous treaties. It hands decision-making power to a small group of insiders while silencing the voices of communities and experts.

Ontarians have not called for weaker protections or less public oversight. Bill 5 would erase decades of environmental progress, suppress scientific input, and undermine the democratic process.

I urge the Ontario government to immediately withdraw Bill 5. Instead, collaborate with Indigenous leaders, environmental scientists, and the public to strengthen our environmental protections — not dismantle them. Safeguarding nature is not a roadblock to economic prosperity. It is the very foundation of a resilient, equitable, and thriving Ontario.