To: Doug Ford, Stephen Lecce…

To: Doug Ford, Stephen Lecce and all those concerned re: Bill 5

I strongly oppose Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act. This legislation poses a serious threat to Ontario's nature , democracy and future.

Bill 5 proposes to repeal the Endangered Species Act — one of the few protections wildlife and ecosystems have. This proposed deregulation is short sighted and industrial gain ahead of long-term ecological and community health. No thank you!

The allowing of “special economic zones” that would allow major development projects to be fast tracked without proper environmental assessment, public input or Indigenous consultation. This short cut undermines transparency, accountability and Ontario’s duty to uphold Indigenous rights and treaties.

I, and my fellow Ontarians have not asked for weaker environmental protections. Nor have asked for less say in decisions that affect the province’s land, water and future. Bill 5 would silence community voices, marginalize science and erase decades of hard-won environmental progress.

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 and robust future.

Thank you,
Christine Evans