I am writing to you to say…

I am writing to you to say that I oppose Bill 5. I do not agree with the notion that we need to create special economic zones where developers can ignore municipal and provincial laws. It's important to have proper environmental assessments done for the area, as well as include public input.

I am also very concerned with the proposal to redefine what a habitat is. The revised bill would greatly narrow what is considered a habitat for species, not accounting for all the areas a species needs to travel to find food or mate. Losing valuable habitat space increases the risk of pushing these species further into our cities. Take for example the increase in coyote attacks in Liberty Village. Many of coyotes involved in incidents with citizens' dogs used to have dens at Ontario Place. When construction commenced, they were pushed out of their homes in search of new places to den and feed. When they are desperate for food, they resort to going after pets and can also harm humans in the process. The more we reduce species' habitats, the greater the chance of negative interactions with humans.

Bill 5 also has the potential to trample Indigenous rights if it doesn’t respect the right to free prior and informed consent. Indigenous Peoples must be at the center of all discussions about sustainable economies and protecting endangered species.

These environmental laws are in place for a reason and if we want to ensure that humanity has a future, we should be doing everything we can to protect it. Again, I OPPOSE Bill 5.