I oppose Bill 5! I wish to…

I oppose Bill 5! I wish to express my grave concerns with Protect Ontario by unleashing our Economy Act (Bill 5) and its destructive impact on our environment and our democracy. I am deeply troubled by the immediate, mid, and long-term impact of Bill 5 on Ontario's environment. It is clear that in conjunction with Bill 212, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act with destroy 70 years of thoughtful evidence-based environmental protections. It is deeply distressing that despite a duty to care for all Ontarians, our provincial government puts business interests above the health of the environment, communities, workers, and our democracy. Without a liveable environment and a healthy population, economic prosperity is impossible.
Second, I view establishing Special Economic Zones and repealing both the Endangered Species Act and the Heritage Act as short-sighted and dangerous. All current provincial and municipal laws, as well as environmental protections, must be respected to ensure the health and integrity of our environment for current and future generations. I strongly urge the government to stop the implementation of Bill 5 and consider the broader and deeper needs of Ontario for a healthy environment, access to health care, education, affordable housing, better and convenient public transit and improved mental health care.
Finally, I expect the government to ensure that all land use legislation, under consideration, honours the constitutional requirement to meaningfully consult with First Nations. That Bill 5 disregards the government's duty to consult is a serious step backward in the process of reconciliation with the Indigenous Peoples.
I oppose Bill 5 and advocate that the government truly protect Ontario and immediately stop the implementation of Bill 5!