I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my unequivocal opposition to Bill 5 - the Protect Ontario by
Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025 (ERO #025-0416). If passed, this legislation will not
only dismantle core environmental protections but also set a dangerous precedent for the
future of Ontario’s ecosystems, public accountability, and Indigenous consultation. This
decision would be shortsighted, reckless, and undermine the sound scientific evidence in
place regarding the importance of the Endangered Species Act.
This bill proposes to repeal the Endangered Species Act, 2007. This decision would
abandon scientifically recognized safeguards for Ontario’s most vulnerable wildlife and
habitat. The extinction of species is not a reversible error. Stripping these protections to
prioritize short-term development profits over biodiversity is both reckless and
irresponsible governance. Ontario would certainly not be "yours to discover" if there is no
biodiversity or ecological balance intact.
Additionally, the bill’s provision to create Special Economic Zones (SEZs) where developers
can bypass municipal and provincial laws is an outright attack on democratic oversight and
environmental stewardship. These carve-outs would allow unchecked urban sprawl and
exploitation, undermining the very regulatory framework designed to safeguard public
interests. The Ford government's history of collaborating with developers and
undermining Ontario citizens' concerns continues to be perpetuated within this proposed
Bill.
Further, exempting the Ontario Place redevelopment from public consultation under the
Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993, is a blatant dismissal of community voice and
environmental justice, and challenges our democratic rights to voice concerns. Ontario
residents have the right to participate in decisions that directly affect their public spaces,
health, and local ecosystems.
The attack on clean energy in Bill 5 is equally alarming. Granting the government power to
ban renewable energy components from international sources, especially targeting solar
and wind infrastructure, will cripple Ontario’s transition to a low-carbon future. This forces
increased reliance on fossil fuels, contradicting Ontario’s climate commitments and global
efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This also overall decreases the province's
ability to become a self-sufficient energy producer, further contradicting the Ford
government's promises to Ontario residents.
Lastly, this bill shows a profound disrespect for Indigenous rights and heritage by
proposing the elimination of archaeological assessment requirements. Consultation with
Indigenous Nations is not just a box to tick; it is a constitutionally protected obligation.
Ignoring this is a violation of Indigenous sovereignty and reconciliation efforts and against
the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Bill 5 is an unprecedented rollback of Ontario’s environmental, democratic, and Indigenous
rights protections, all under the misleading guise of "unleashing" the economy. A healthy
economy cannot exist on a dying planet, nor can it thrive when public trust is so openly
eroded.
I urge the Government of Ontario to immediately withdraw Bill 5 and recommit to
transparent, science-based, and democratic processes that protect both our environment
and our future.