I strongly oppose Bill 5,…

I strongly oppose Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act. This legislation poses a serious threat to Ontario’s natural heritage, democratic processes and Indigenous rights.

The extraordinary power to circumvent the legislature and existing laws should only be utilized in well defined, exceptional circumstances. Even then, the exercise of such extraordinary emergency powers should be subject to checks and balances—such as clear and exigent statutory thresholds, a temporary duration, and some level of democratic oversight. Schedule 9 fails on all counts.

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.