I am strongly opposed to…

I am strongly opposed to Bill 5: the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act and its dangerous proposals, including the creation of Special Economic Zones, the weakening of Ontario’s endangered species protections, and the implementation of laws that will allow the Ford’s government and his friends to bypass laws and regulations that are crucial to prevent corporations from doing whatever they want at the expense of Ontarians, Ontario wildlife, and critical habitat.

Bill 5 gives the provincial government extreme powers to ignore laws that protect the environment, Indigenous rights, and public health, without accountability.

The new Species Conservation Act (Schedules 2 & 10) would strip away real protections for at-risk species and their habitats. Science and recovery planning would be replaced by an empty process implemented by non-scientific committees that have little understanding of Ontario’s delicate ecosystems.

The exemption for the Eagle’s Nest mine (Schedule 3) removes the need for a full environmental assessment — ignoring the serious risks to climate-critical peatlands and Indigenous territory. This goes against Canada’s commitments to reconciliation and climate action.

The Special Economic Zones Act (Schedule 9) would grant unprecedented powers to the Provincial Cabinet and could allow corporations or individuals to avoid any laws and by-laws in Ontario.

This is a reminder to whoever is reading this that we are part of the environment, not just adjacent to it. I urge the Ontario government to withdraw Bill 5 in its entirety 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.