I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025. This legislation poses a significant threat to Ontario's environment and undermines the rights of Indigenous communities.

Bill 5 proposes the creation of "special economic zones" where standard environmental protections and Indigenous consultation requirements can be bypassed. This approach disregards the treaties established with Indigenous peoples and opens the door to unchecked development in ecologically sensitive areas.

Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Each species plays a specific role, and the loss of one can have cascading effects on others. Destroying habitats disrupts these relationships, leading to ecosystem instability and loss of services such as clean water, air purification, and pollination. The proposed changes in Bill 5, including the repeal of the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and its replacement with the less protective Species Conservation Act, 2025, threaten to accelerate biodiversity loss in our province.

Furthermore, the bill's emphasis on rapid economic development overlooks the long-term benefits of environmental conservation and clean energy investment. Ontario has the potential to lead in sustainable technologies, but this requires a commitment to preserving our natural heritage.

I urge you to reconsider the provisions of Bill 5 and to prioritize the protection of our environment and the rights of Indigenous communities. Sustainable development should not come at the cost of ecological integrity and social justice.