As an Ontario resident and…

As an Ontario resident and educator deeply committed to environmental stewardship and social justice, I am writing to express my strong opposition to Bill 5, the "Protecting Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025." This legislation poses significant threats to our province's biodiversity, undermines Indigenous rights, and compromises the democratic processes that ensure public participation in environmental decision-making.

Environmental Assessments and the Ring of Fire

Bill 5 proposes to terminate the environmental assessment (EA) for the Eagle’s Nest mine, a project situated in the ecologically sensitive James Bay Lowlands within Treaty 9 territory. The EA process is crucial for evaluating potential environmental and socio-economic impacts before project approval. Eliminating this assessment not only jeopardizes the fragile ecosystems of the area but also disregards the rights and voices of Indigenous communities who have stewarded these lands for generations.

Creation of Special Economic Zones

The bill's provision to establish "special economic zones" effectively exempts entire regions from provincial environmental laws and safeguards. This approach facilitates industrial development without adequate oversight, disproportionately affecting Indigenous, racialized, and low-income communities. Such actions perpetuate environmental racism and violate principles outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Repeal of the Endangered Species Act

Replacing the robust Endangered Species Act (ESA) with the proposed Species Conservation Act undermines mandatory protections for at-risk species. The new act relies on voluntary measures and discretionary protections, eliminating requirements for recovery strategies and habitat conservation. This shift threatens the survival of species like the Redside Dace, Eastern Wolf, and Blanding’s Turtle, whose habitats are already under pressure from development and climate change.

Erosion of Government Accountability

Bill 5 includes provisions that limit judicial scrutiny of government actions, restricting potential legal challenges against the Crown. This erosion of accountability diminishes public trust in governmental decision-making and undermines the foundational principles of transparency and justice.

Call to Action

In light of these concerns, I urge you to:

Withdraw Bill 5 in its entirety, reaffirming Ontario's commitment to environmental protection, Indigenous rights, and democratic processes.

Extend the comment periods for all Bill 5-related proposals posted on the Environmental Registry to facilitate meaningful public participation.

Our province stands at a crossroads. We can choose a path that prioritizes short-term economic gains at the expense of our environment and communities, or we can commit to sustainable development that honors our natural heritage and the rights of all Ontarians. I implore you to choose the latter.