I am a resident of…

I am a resident of Orangeville, Ontario, and I am writing to express both my personal and professional opposition to the proposed Bill 5 – Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025. I am deeply concerned about its implications and would like to comment on its potential impacts on economic sustainability.

This proposed legislation, along with its associated Schedules, does not reflect the values or priorities of Ontario residents. It undermines years of effort—past and ongoing—aimed at supporting sustainable economic growth in our province. The introduction of this bill by the Premier and the Minister of Energy and Mines is not grounded in factual evidence regarding the state of so-called “red tape” or sustainable development. Instead, it sends a demoralizing message to Ontarians across many sectors of work and life.

Bill 5 proposes sweeping and deeply concerning changes to critical legislation such as the Endangered Species Act, the Environmental Assessment Act, and the Ontario Heritage Act, among others. While economic growth is important, it must not come at the expense of our current and future society. Ontario must hold itself to higher standards for sustainable development and accountability. Time and again, effective, evidence-based solutions have been presented to the Government of Ontario by scientists, Indigenous leaders, planners, and environmental experts—only to be dismissed or discouraged.

The socio-ecological challenges surrounding housing and development in an already stressed landscape demand thoughtful, real solutions—not weakened regulations or the removal of essential societal protections.

I am formally requesting that Bill 5 and all associated schedules be withdrawn in their entirety. Ontarians—the people you are elected to represent—deserve more public consultation, not less, require greater oversight and accountability in development, not diminished safeguards, and we expect professional integrity from our leaders—not top-down legislation that curtails democratic input.

I urge you to take this submission seriously and listen to the many other voices opposing Bill 5 that are listed in the supporting links. Your decision on this matter will have lasting consequences, and it will be remembered for decades. I trust that you will choose to oppose Bill 5, regardless of your own personal biases, as a course of action that is democratic, evidence-based, and representative of the public interest.

Thank you,