Please consider the…

Please consider the environmental impacts of what you are doing. If you are to build infrastructure, at least make an effort to respect indigenous land and the unique ecosystem diversity we have in Canada, and state so in your legislature!

This is one of the things we strongly believe sets us apart from the US, it's that forward thinking of integrating both economy and environment (we only have to look to the Scandinavian countries for reference, I highly recommend taking inspiration from them). This is not done by vaguely loosening environmental conservation Bills. I've spoken to many people throughout the community and they've expressed dissatisfaction with the urban planning and design going into these cities. A localized city center, not the suburban sprawls we see in the GTA, is better for the environment and yields a greater satisfaction amongst Ontarians as they have a place to "flock to" and gather as a community (see Kingston Ontario, I think it's a pretty good model). A good compromise would be to install wildlife crossings for endangered species to travel as well as large forested park spaces that act similarly to the Kortright Center in Vaughan. Pitch it as a "green Denmark". You would appeal to more voters this way and satisfy both parties involved, as well as increase the satisfaction of the people living in the newly developed land.

Since, as of now, there have been no amendments to consider the environment or the indigenous heritage of the land, here is my statement:

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.

Bill 5 proposes 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. This is not modernization. It’s deregulation that puts short-term industrial gain ahead of long-term ecological and community health.

Equally alarming is the creation of “special economic zones” that would allow cabinet to approve major development projects without proper environmental assessment, public input or Indigenous consultation. This short cut for Ford’s friends undermines transparency, accountability and Ontario’s duty to uphold Indigenous rights and treaties.

Ontarians have not asked for weaker protections or less say in decisions that affect the province’s land, water and future. 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.

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