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.

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. It will be a detriment in the long-term, a detriment that will become increasingly costly as time goes on, just like climate change.

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 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. Ontarians want stronger protections and greater say in decisions involving our provincial land. Bill 5 would silence community voices, marginalize science and erase decades of hard-won environmental progress. There is already issues with misinformation, hampering our society, socially and economically, we must not worsen it.

I urge our government to withdraw Bill 5 in its entirety and instead work with environmental experts, Indigenous leaders and the public to strengthen — not dismantle, however well intended — 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. The more damaged the environment is the worse off we are, socially and economically. From floods, wildfires, storms and all manner of disasters. A healthier environment helps mitigate those disasters, saving not only money but more importantly lives and reducing suffering.