I am writing to state I…

I am writing to state I strongly oppose Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act. This legislation poses a significant threat to Ontario’s natural heritage, democratic processes, and Indigenous rights. I do however support the notion of preventing foreign entities taking significant control over our natural resources, waters, and energy production or systems.

Bill 5 proposes to eventually repeal the Endangered Species Act — one of the few tools we have to protect at-risk wildlife and the ecosystems they depend on. Reducing habitat to the denning area is akin to putting animals in a cage. It’s not natural and not conducive to their long term health. Replacing ESA 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. Modern medicine and societal health depend on healthy ecosystems to keep human beings healthy - even if one didn’t care about plants or animals for their own right.

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. Since when would politicians be better placed than scientists to determine which plants and animals are most in need of protection? It also does not allow for the proper consultation with our First Nations to build partnerships between developers and treaty land owners to create mutually beneficial economic and environmental outcomes. It is also critical to protect the right for safe work environments for employees who will be working on these projects. This short cut for Ford’s friends undermines transparency, accountability and Ontario’s duty to uphold Indigenous rights and treaties, and a commitment to Ontarians to protect us and the lands we live on.

Ontarians have not asked for weaker protections or less say in decisions that affect the province’s land, water and future. There are ways to reduce duplication and streamline processes without the need to silence community voices, marginalize science and erase decades of hard-won environmental progress as Bill 5 would.

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.