I vehemently oppose Bill 5,…

I vehemently oppose Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act.

Posing a serious threat to Ontario’s natural heritage, democratic processes, and Indigenous rights, this legislation intends to repeal the Endangered Species Act—one of the few tools we have to protect at-risk wildlife and the ecosystems they depend on. Replacing it with vague “goals” and unenforceable measures will lead to the further decline of species already on the brink.

The only thing this bill "protects" is the greed of developers—at the expense of ecological and community health. Ontarians have not asked for weaker protections or less say in decisions that affect the province’s land, water and future. Bill 5's disastrous deregulation would silence community voices, marginalize science and erase decades of hard-won environmental progress.

The Bill's creation of “special economic zones” that would allow cabinet to approve major development projects without proper environmental assessment, public input or Indigenous consultation is nothing less than a short cut for Ford’s friends to undermine transparency, accountability and Ontario’s duty to uphold Indigenous rights and treaties.

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.

Protecting nature is not a barrier to economic growth. It’s the foundation of a healthy, resilient and just society.