I strongly oppose Bill 5,…

I strongly oppose Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act. This legislation poses a serious threat to Ontario’s natural heritage, democratic processes and Indigenous rights.

The Endangered Species Act is one of the few tools we have to protect at-risk wildlife and the ecosystems they depend on. Repealing it represents deregulation that puts short-term industrial gain ahead of long-term ecological and community health. Even in challenging economic times, this is not an acceptable trade-off.

Likewise the creation of “special economic zones” that would allow cabinet to approve major development projects without proper environmental assessment, public input or Indigenous consultation undermines transparency, accountability and Ontario’s duty to uphold Indigenous rights and treaties.

Bill 5 would silence community voices, marginalize science and erase decades of hard-won environmental progress.

I urge the Ontario government to withdraw Bill 5 in its entirety and instead work with environmental experts, Indigenous leaders and the public to strengthen — not dismantle — our systems of environmental protection while fostering economic growth. The two need not be mutually exclusive.