I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Bill 5, particularly in relation to the proposed exemption of the Eagle’s Nest Mine from environmental assessments. The Ring of Fire is one of the most ecologically and culturally significant regions in Ontario, and removing environmental oversight for development in this area is deeply concerning.

The Ring of Fire lies within the Hudson Bay Lowlands, one of the largest remaining intact peatland complexes on the planet. This area:

Stores massive amounts of carbon, acting as a critical buffer against climate change;

Provides habitat for threatened and endangered species;

And remains largely untouched by industrial development, making it a rare stronghold for biodiversity and ecological integrity in Ontario.

The Eagle’s Nest Mine project and others proposed in this region pose major and irreversible threats to this sensitive ecosystem, especially if exempted from robust environmental assessments. This would undermine Ontario’s commitments to climate action, biodiversity conservation, and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

The area is also the traditional territory of multiple First Nations, including those that have not consented to development. Bypassing environmental assessment processes erodes the rights of Indigenous Nations to be meaningfully consulted and involved in decisions about their lands. This approach violates both the Crown’s duty to consult and accommodate and the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

The public has a right to transparent, science-based environmental review processes, especially for projects in regions of such ecological and cultural significance. Fast-tracking resource extraction in the Ring of Fire without proper assessment or Indigenous consent is reckless and unjust.

I urge the Government of Ontario to:

Reject the proposed exemption for the Eagle’s Nest Mine and ensure full environmental assessment is conducted;

Protect the ecological integrity of the Ring of Fire as a vital carbon sink and refuge for species at risk;

And respect Indigenous rights and governance, upholding the Honour of the Crown through meaningful consultation and consent.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide comment.