I strongly oppose Bill 5,…

I strongly oppose Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act.

Replacing the Endangered Species Act with vague “goals” and unenforceable measures will lead to the 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.

Of equal concern is the creation of “special economic zones” that would allow cabinet to approve major development projects without proper environmental assessment, or public input. This short cut undermines transparency, accountability and Ontario’s duty to uphold Indigenous rights and treaties as well as environmental protection.

Ontarians have neither asked for weaker protections nor less say in decisions that affect the province’s 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 its entirety and instead work with environmental experts, Indigenous leaders and the public to strengthen — not dismantle — our systems of environmental protection.

Protecting nature is not a barrier to economic growth. It is the foundation of a healthy, resilient and just society.