I strongly oppose Bill 5,…

I strongly oppose Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025. This bill is a blatant giveaway to developers and corporate interests at the expense of Ontario’s endangered species, biodiversity, and vital ecosystems. By dismantling the Endangered Species Act and replacing it with a toothless Species Conservation Act, the government is effectively abandoning its duty to protect vulnerable wildlife in favor of corporate profit.

The proposed redefinition of “habitat” to exclude broader ecosystems vital for migration, feeding, and mating is not just irresponsible, it’s ecologically disastrous. This provision will decimate critical habitats for already threatened species like the redside dace and woodland caribou, pushing them further towards extinction.

Moreover, the introduction of Special Economic Zones, where environmental protections can be suspended to expedite development, is a thinly veiled attempt to greenlight destructive projects like Highway 413, a project already marred by documented conflicts of interest and questionable land deals benefiting well-connected developers. The removal of recovery strategy requirements and the transfer of species listing authority to Cabinet instead of independent scientists underscores the government’s prioritization of political expediency over scientific integrity.

Bill 5 facilitates unchecked development, undermines conservation efforts, and ignores Indigenous consultation, violating both environmental ethics and public trust. This legislation serves as yet another example of this government’s agenda to enrich capital interests while dismantling environmental protections. Ontario deserves better.