I strongly oppose Bill 5. I…

I strongly oppose Bill 5. I disagree with this bill's aim to remove the few protections for our land and wildlife to create shortcuts for private industry, and I do not believe this to be in the best interest of Ontarians, long term.

Narrowing the definition of "habitat", to exclude the larger ecosystems that are essential for species survival, is in direct opposition with a vast amount of scientific evidence. These concepts are actually a key part of the Grade 4 curriculum here! We know that a habitat is not merely where an animal sleeps, or hides, and pretending otherwise is irresponsible and maybe also willfully ignorant (sorry to sound harsh).

Removing the authority of scientific bodies (with the specific expertise) to classify species as at-risk and instead granting that function to political entities is irresponsible. How are politicians better positioned to champion and protect biodiversity than actual experts? I do not believe they are and I do not trust those decisions to politicians. This deeply disempowers Ontario scientists who are experts in biodiversity and animal welfare.

The introduction of "Special Economic Zones" seems like a convenient way to circumvent the democratic process when financially convenient. This seems to exempt certain parties from provincial legislation and regulations, and from municipal by-laws (all of which exist for a reason), solely to expedite projects. The reason being to ensure that our province's lands and wildlife are protected and cared for so that future generations of Ontarians may share. I feel a deep sense of discomfort in allowing industry, private companies, to pick and choose what legislations and laws they will adhere to. I don't believe that expediency is worth what we would be giving up (protections for butterflies, turtles, a WEALTH of wildlife with expansive territories).

We must continue to protect the environment, we must have stronger environmental protections. Removing explicit goals for species recovery and environmental stewardship is irresponsible in a global climate crisis, and I am so deeply saddened that this doesn't seem to matter to the people trusted to run this vast, beautiful province I have always called home, and I am astonished at the strategy here to push this through while everyone is exhausted from US-CAN tension, and a federal election.