I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my deep concern and strong opposition to Bill 5, the so-called “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025.” Far from protecting Ontario, this bill undermines the very foundations of our environmental, democratic, and social systems in the name of unchecked development and corporate convenience.

By creating Special Economic Zones with sweeping exemptions from provincial laws and municipal bylaws, Bill 5 hands over control of our communities and ecosystems to “trusted proponents” – often large, politically connected developers. This approach ignores local voices, weakens public oversight, and opens the door to irreversible environmental harm.

Particularly troubling are the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act. Moving to a “registration-first” model strips away critical protections for species at risk and allows potentially destructive activity to begin without full assessment or accountability. This reckless deregulation endangers biodiversity, threatens Indigenous rights, and puts short-term profits ahead of long-term sustainability.

We’ve already seen the damage this government is willing to inflict with projects like the destruction of the Toronto waterfront at Ontario Place – a clear example of how public spaces and ecosystems can be sacrificed without consent. Please, don’t let Bill 5 enable more of the same.

This bill is not about building Ontario – it’s about breaking down the safeguards that protect it. We owe it to future generations to leave behind a province where nature, democracy, and communities thrive. I urge you to withdraw this bill and instead engage with citizens, environmental experts, and Indigenous leaders in crafting legislation that truly serves the public good.