The proposition of Bill 5 is…

The proposition of Bill 5 is disrespectful to archaeological heritage, Indigenous voices, and the environment, and is in no way “protecting” Ontario. Essentially, the bill allows developers to override laws and protective regulations to fast track development. Development is important for the economy; however, it must be completed responsibly with respect for all parties involved. Removing the need for proper environmental assessments prior to development is destructive on several grounds. There are reasons why the current laws and regulations are in effect — they should not be tampered with.

Archaeological assessments help to preserve the past, where Canada’s heritage can be observed and learned through historical sites. The proposed bill puts our heritage at risk for destruction by abolishing mandatory protection for projects under the Ontario Heritage Act. This bill would allow developers to skip archaeological assessments, giving them the ability to pave over significant historical sites, demolishing the remnants of our past. During archaeological assessments, human remains can be found; thus, the proposed bill also threatens burial sites, risking their destruction, demonstrating an extreme impertinence to the dead.

In addition to this disrespect, many of these archaeological sites are Indigenous, or on Indigenous land. If Bill 5 is to pass, consultation with Indigenous Nations would no longer be required, demonstrating an immense level of disrespect to Indigenous communities and their ancestors. This erodes the foundation of reconciliation and trust we have been building with Indigenous peoples, and is an infringement of Aboriginal treaty rights. Much of Canadian land is Indigenous territory, thus building on their land without a thorough environmental assessment following consultation with First Nations representatives portrays the complete lack of respect for Indigenous culture and heritage. This clearly illustrates the continuous acts of colonialism by the government, solely for capitalist gains. This is a step in the wrong direction for the decolonization of Canada.

While historical significance has the potential for permanent destruction, so does the environment. Without proper environmental assessments, a multitude of species will be at risk for further endangerment or even extinction. Bill 5 breaches the Endangered Species Act, by dismissing the need for protection of over 200 at-risk species in Ontario (Ontario Nature). It is imperative that we foster care towards endangered species in order to maintain the delicate ecosystems of our province for the preservation of Ontario's future.

Not only is the new model of streamlining environmental assessments destructive to heritage and Ontario nature, it will also eliminate career fields. Archaeologists and environmental consultants will no longer have their chosen careers that they worked hard to earn through time and expensive education. As an archaeologist myself, I risk losing my job while the steps towards my desired career will be knocked out from under me. At first glance, the government believes this will aid in an economic rise, though what is not understood is that hundreds of workers will be left unemployed. Bill 5 does not consider the numerous jobs that will be lost if what is proposed comes into effect.

Protection acts are in place to prevent damage to heritage, Indigenous rights, and Earth. The development process cannot be streamlined without detrimental impacts to each of these factors. Individuals need to be held legally accountable for this form of destruction. Bill 5 is a morally unsound law that will harmfully impact our future. Voting against Bill 5 will help to preserve our history, relationship with Canadian-Indigenous peoples, the biodiversity of the country, and the jobs of many Ontario citizens.