I do not have a problem with…

I do not have a problem with implementing special economic zones but these cannot be implemented at the expense of the environment.

I strongly oppose Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act in its current form.
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 what is proposed does not do that. This is not modernization. It’s deregulation that puts short-term industrial gain ahead of long-term ecological and community health.

As it is currently envisioned 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 short cut undermines transparency, accountability and Ontario’s duty to uphold environmental and Indigenous rights.

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 current form 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.