Dear Members of the Standing…

Dear Members of the Standing Committee,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Bill 5, the so-called “Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act.” This bill is a reckless and undemocratic attempt to strip away critical environmental protections, silence public input, and undermine Indigenous rights.

Allowing Special Economic Zones to bypass all provincial laws and municipal bylaws—including those protecting endangered species and public health—is not “cutting red tape”; it’s inviting disaster. Replacing the Endangered Species Act with a watered-down version will only hasten biodiversity loss in a time of ecological crisis.

Worse still, the bill ignores the duty to consult Indigenous communities, violating their rights and threatening reconciliation.

Bill 5 serves private interests, not the public good. I urge you to reject it entirely.