The proposed amendments to…

The proposed amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act, specifically those allowing exemptions from archaeological assessments for particular projects and properties, are an unethical way of approaching land development. We live in a beautiful province that has thousands of years of history that we can continue to learn from and that must be preserved. Bill 5 (Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025) sets a dangerous precedent for devaluing and blatantly disrespecting Indigenous history in a province that has made commitments toward reconciliation. Archaeological assessments are a necessary cost in large-scale developments in Ontario. Without them, many archaeological sites will be destroyed since archaeologists are unable to protect artifacts, remains, and heritage without knowing where they are. In summary, we should not be prioritizing money over the environment, Indigenous heritage, and Canadian culture.