The proposed changes Bill 5…

The proposed changes Bill 5 would introduce are concerning in how government's role with the IESO would change, allowing the government to dictate to whom the IESO can award energy contracts, based on the origins of goods and services and enabling the government to create rules that would limit the IESO from entering certain contracts for electricity projects.

Especially concerning is the removal of government accountability that comes with disallowing lawsuits against the government, IESO or OPG over anything connected to the new amendments, even if wrongdoing is believed or apparent.

Additional concerns:

- Environmental Oversight Weakened:
Several laws now limit or bypass public consultation, especially under the Environmental Bill of Rights. This reduces transparency and accountability.

- Species Protections Rolled Back:
The new Species Conservation Act replaces the stronger Endangered Species Act, decreasing legal protections and enabling more development in sensitive habitats.

Indigenous Rights Overlooked:
- Though artifacts may be returned to Indigenous communities, the broader exemption powers and lack of consultation could undermine Indigenous stewardship of land and heritage.

Erosion of Democratic Participation:
-Legal rights to comment, appeal, or sue over environmental and development decisions are restricted or extinguished in several areas, limiting public and legal recourse.