In Ontario, one of the…

In Ontario, one of the primary causes of species decline is habitat destruction, which results in the loss of food sources, shelter, and breeding grounds for wildlife. This ongoing destruction is often the result of unchecked development, driven by a “development at any cost” mindset. While growth and expansion are inevitable, pursuing them without regard for ecological consequences sacrifices not only our natural heritage but also the essential life-sustaining systems that support both humans and wildlife.

There is an urgent need for housing, particularly for young people who are increasingly unable to afford homes. However, development must be done sustainably. It is entirely possible to balance growth with conservation, ensuring we protect the most vulnerable among us—both human and non-human. A just society considers the needs of all its members and future generations, not just the economic bottom line.

The proposed approach to environmental regulation in Ontario is deeply flawed. The expectation that developers will register and simply “follow” complex environmental rules without expert guidance is unrealistic. These laws are intricate for a reason—assessing ecological impacts requires scientific knowledge and ecological expertise. That’s why we have biologists and conservation professionals. Delegating responsibility to individuals without the necessary background is ineffective and will results in significant harm to at-risk species and ecosystems.

The lack of protection for aquatic species like the Blanding’s turtle on federal lands, and the absence of corresponding safeguards at the provincial level, is alarming. Ontario has a long history of exploiting land and natural resources without considering the long-term consequences. That legacy must end. We must shift from a mindset of taking to one of stewardship—protecting what’s left before it’s too late.
Protecting land and ecosystems doesn’t just benefit at-risk species, it benefits us. Take the example the Blanding’s turtle in the Ponderosa, a Provincially Significant Wetland in the heart of Sudbury. Protecting its habitat doesn’t only benefit the species itself; it also benefits people. Spaces like these provide flood protection, water and air filtration, carbon storage and supports biodiversity, all essential to human well-being. They support functioning ecosystems that sustain all life, including our own. Yet, we continue to fall victim to short-sighted decision-making that prioritizes immediate profits over long-term survival and quality of life.

Indigenous peoples have long-standing cultural and spiritual connections to the land and the species that inhabit it. True reconciliation means recognizing and honoring their rights, including the right to protect species that are significant to their traditions and ways of life. Any conservation plan that excludes Indigenous voices is incomplete and unjust.

The removal of harassment in this Bill, meaning through noise, light, or habitat encroachment will threatens the quality of life for many species. In some cases, it can reduce reproductive success or even lead to death, further endangering already threatened populations. These impacts ripple through ecosystems and, ultimately, affect humans as well.

Ultimately, our goal should be to remove species from the endangered list, not because their protection is seen as an obstacle to development, but because our collective efforts have helped their populations recover. The comeback of the bald eagle is a powerful example of what committed protection can achieve.

Here, I speak for our native trees, birds, other small animals, and plants that are too often forgotten in the hustle of daily life. I also speak for the people who are unaware of the consequences of rolling back environmental protections. If Bill 5 is passed, we will continue to erode the very systems that sustain us all.