I strongly oppose Bill 5,…

I strongly oppose Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act. This legislation poses a serious threat to Ontario's natural heritage, democratic processes and Indigenous rights. It will result in communities very close to me having their right to have a say about proposed projects in their backyards run over without proper consultation or respect.

Bill 5 proposes to repeal the Endangered Species Act — one of the few tools we have to protect at-risk wildlife and the ecosystems they depend on. Replacing it with vague "goals" and unenforceable measures will lead to the further decline of species already on the brink.

There are also people who live in the country right beside proposed projects who will be exposed and impacted by the pollution and fallout of your projects. This is not modernization. It's deregulation that puts short-term industrial gain ahead of long-term ecological and community health. Community health that will further strain our gutted health care system, devalue private property, some of which is currently good farming land. This is nothing short of irresponsible.

Equally alarming is the creation of "special economic zones" that would allow cabinet to approve major development projects without proper environmental assessment, public input or Indigenous consultation. This ends up looking like a short cut for Ford's friends and seriously undermines transparency, accountability and Ontario's duty to uphold Indigenous rights and treaties. Surely it occurs to our government that this is not to time to start conflicts with indigenous communities. Can we afford another rail blockade?

Ontarians have not asked for weaker protections or 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, resilient and just society.