I strongly oppose Bill 5,…

I strongly oppose Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act. This omnibus bill poses a serious threat to Ontario’s natural heritage, democratic processes and Indigenous rights. As it includes schedules to so many other Acts, it undermines democratic citizen involvement. And since it seems to have been developed during the post-election break, out of public view, it undermines trust in government and institutions. While supposedly focusing on what to do in the face of tariffs the backroom has been busy steamrolling ahead on an agenda driven by business not the citizens of Ontario. Introducing the bill at the beginning of a long weekend is also despicable. Why hide if the bill is so good?!

The creation of “special economic zones” that would allow cabinet to approve major development projects without proper environmental assessment, public input or Indigenous consultation is alarming. Allowing Cabinet to exempt these zones from laws is a huge power grab. A rebellion was fought in 1837 to make sure the executive branch was obligated to be responsible to the legislative branch. Over time, responsible government became democratic and the power to make laws belongs exclusively to the legislative branch. Enhancing executive power to exclude the legislative branch of our government is wrong and smacks of Trumpism. Is Ontario on the same path to authoritarianism?! Will Ontario exist for the benefit of Ford’s friends? Undermining transparency, accountability and Ontario’s duty to uphold Indigenous rights and treaties is unconscionable.

The "special economic zones" also undermines long term, coordinated planning with each zone having its own, as yet undefined rules.

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.

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.