Bill 5 proposes substantial…

Bill 5 proposes substantial weakening of existing safeguards for at-risk species and their habitats. Further, the bill reduces the role of independent, scientific experts in assessing species at risk and gives discretionary power to the Minister. This is reducing public oversight and transparency, environmental rights, and allows for political agendas to override common sense and the precautionary principle.

Allowing development and other harmful activities in critical habitats – which go far beyond the nest and/or den of an animal – is not something that can be fixed or undone. Once species and habitat are lost, they’re lost forever. Given the clear public backlash to similar development proposals – such as opening the Greenbelt or expanding the Hamilton urban boundary – it is apparent that this Bill overrides what Ontarians prioritize when it comes to the environment.

As the stewards of our wildlife and environment, it is the responsibility of the Ontario government to protect the over 200 species at risk and critical habitat for future generations. The Endangered Species Act was developed to ensure transparency, public participation and accountability. Bill 5 undermines these clear principles, which are supported by the majority of the public.

Healthy ecosystems provide vital services with real economic value. Ontario’s natural systems offer clean water, climate regulation, pollination, and flood protection. Damaging these systems will have long-term costs for public health, the economy, and community sustainability—costs that will fall on governments and taxpayers.

Bill 5 undermines sustainable economic growth. It risks job losses in tourism, agriculture, forestry, and other sectors dependent on a healthy environment, while signalling to investors that Ontario is willing to sacrifice environmental standards for short-term gain. Strong environmental laws support—not hinder—innovation, resilience, and green job creation.

We ask that Bill 5 be withdrawn completely, or significantly altered to reinstate effective, evidence-driven measures for endangered species, and take seriously the input of Indigenous communities, the scientific community, and the general public.