I am writing to express…

I am writing to express serious concerns about the proposed amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act under Schedule 7 of Bill 5, the “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act.”

While I recognize and support the need for economic development and infrastructure improvements across the province, I am deeply concerned that Schedule 7 will significantly weaken protections for Ontario’s cultural heritage, particularly archaeological resources and Indigenous heritage sites. These changes appear to prioritize speed and convenience in development over the long-standing values of preservation, respect, and reconciliation.

Key concerns include:

- Exemptions from archaeological assessments for projects deemed priorities (transit, housing, healthcare, infrastructure) risk the permanent destruction of undiscovered Indigenous and historical sites.

- These assessments often act as a trigger for the Duty to Consult with Indigenous communities. Removing this requirement undermines Ontario’s obligations under the Constitution and international reconciliation commitments.

- The proposed changes would reduce oversight and transparency, enabling development without meaningful heritage review or accountability.

- Increasing the limitations period for prosecution is a welcome improvement, but alone it cannot balance the broad exemptions proposed.

I urge the government to reconsider Bill 5 and engage meaningfully with stakeholders, including Indigenous nations, professional archaeologists, and heritage advocates. Any modernization of the Ontario Heritage Act must be done with respect, consultation, and a deep understanding of the cultural landscapes it is meant to protect.

Ontario can—and must—pursue economic progress without sacrificing our shared history and the trust of Indigenous peoples. I respectfully request that these amendments be withdrawn or significantly revised following comprehensive consultation.