**RE: Opposition to the …

**RE: Opposition to the "Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act" and its Environmental and Ethical Implications**

Dear Premier Ford,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed **"Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act"** and to urge your government to withdraw or drastically amend this bill before it does irreparable harm to Ontario’s ecosystems, biodiversity, and the foundational rights of Indigenous peoples.

This legislation, which would grant the cabinet sweeping powers to create "special economic zones" exempt from provincial and municipal environmental laws, is deeply concerning. It represents not only a blatant disregard for environmental protections — including critical components of the **Endangered Species Act** — but also an alarming erosion of democratic accountability, Indigenous sovereignty, and the public’s right to be consulted on major projects that will shape the future of our province.

The proposed exemptions would severely weaken safeguards for Ontario’s at-risk species and habitats, including by narrowing the definition of "habitat" and stripping powers from independent scientific bodies. Such changes are not just environmentally reckless; they are morally indefensible in the face of climate change, biodiversity loss, and the already fragile state of Ontario’s ecosystems. These ecosystems — forests, wetlands, rivers, and the carbon-rich peatlands of the north — are not commodities to be exploited at will but vital, irreplaceable systems that sustain life and regulate our climate.

Equally troubling is the government's continued disregard for its duty to consult with First Nations, particularly those whose traditional territories encompass the Ring of Fire. The statements by Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and other leaders make it unequivocally clear: meaningful consultation is not a suggestion or a bureaucratic formality — it is a legal and ethical obligation enshrined in Canadian law and affirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada.

Development without consent is not progress; it is colonialism. The threat of resource extraction without Indigenous leadership, consent, or benefit-sharing is a direct affront to reconciliation. As citizens, we cannot support a bill that advances short-term economic gains at the cost of long-term environmental collapse and continued marginalization of First Nations communities.

Ontario should strive to be a leader in sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous partnership — not a cautionary tale of corporate overreach and ecological degradation.

I call on you and your government to:

* Repeal or revise the bill to remove the sections allowing exemptions from environmental and municipal laws;
* Commit to upholding and strengthening, not dismantling, the **Endangered Species Act**;
* Fully consult and partner with Indigenous Nations in a manner that respects their sovereignty and rights;
* Prioritize long-term ecological health over short-term industrial profits.

The future of Ontario must be built on sustainability, respect, and justice — not unchecked power and environmental sacrifice.