I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my profound concern and strong opposition to Bill 5, Protecting Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025, as outlined in ERO Notice 025-0416. I urge the government to reconsider and withdraw this bill in its entirety, as it poses significant threats to Ontario's environment, Indigenous rights, and the principles of transparent and accountable governance.

The proposed legislation will have the following detrimental impacts:

Termination of the Eagle’s Nest Mine Environmental Assessment (Schedule 3): The removal of the environmental assessment for the Eagle’s Nest mine in Treaty 9 lands, within the Ring of Fire region, is a grave oversight. Environmental assessments are crucial for predicting and mitigating the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of proposed projects. This decision disregards the potential for irreversible damage to the James Bay Lowlands, a vital ecosystem that supports numerous species and is integral to the traditional territories of Indigenous communities. The absence of a thorough assessment increases the risk of negative impacts on species such as the Woodland Caribou, and other vulnerable species.

Creation of "Special Economic Zones": The establishment of "special economic zones" that are exempt from provincial environmental safeguards presents a significant risk. This policy could lead to unchecked industrial development in sensitive areas, disproportionately affecting Indigenous, racialized, and low-income communities. This is a matter of environmental justice and must be addressed.

Repeal of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (Schedule 2): Replacing the ESA with the Species Conservation Act, which relies on voluntary measures and eliminates mandatory recovery strategies, weakens essential protections for at-risk species. This shift undermines the government’s responsibility to protect biodiversity and ensures that species recovery will be ineffectual. The removal of mandatory recovery strategies removes crucial accountability and transparency.
Erosion of Government Accountability (Schedule 5): The proposed restrictions on judicial scrutiny against the Crown will limit the ability of the public to hold the government accountable for environmentally damaging decisions. This undermines the principles of transparency and public trust.

Bill 5 represents a significant step backward in Ontario’s environmental policy. It prioritizes the interests of specific industries over the protection of our natural resources and the rights of our citizens. This policy will create long term environmental damage that will cost the province far more than any short term economic gain.

Therefore, I respectfully request the following:

The complete withdrawal of Bill 5, Protecting Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025.
An extension of the comment period for ERO Notice 025-0416 and all related proposals to allow for meaningful public consultation.

I urge the government to prioritize the long-term well-being of Ontario's environment and its citizens.