I am deeply concerned about…

I am deeply concerned about the impact of Bill 5 on endangered species particularly and the environment more generally.

Fast-tracking major infrastructure projects without proper environmental assessments or Indigenous consultation is irresponsible and dangerous. Projects like the York1 landfill and Highway 413 threaten our water, farmland, and natural heritage — and weaken Indigenous consultation and local decision-making.

Environmental protection isn’t “red tape” or some kind of nuisance to be avoided. It is essential to preserving the quality and health of our land, water, and air. It’s common sense — and the foundation of a healthy, resilient economy and a thriving democracy. I have read that there are over 230 plant and animal species at risk in Ontario. The Ontario government should be working to protect them and strengthen legislation that preserves habitats and species. And when it comes to highways, they should be supporting public transit and walkable or 15-minute communities instead of paving over more land for ever more cars.

Some major issues I see with Bill 5: it has not yet defined the regulations that will govern development, just that they are coming at a later date, leaving Ontarians completely in the dark about the government’s plans; it gives the government discretion to remove species from the Species at Risk in Ontario list while also removing “harassment” as one of the criteria for protecting species; it will no longer require recovery strategies or management plans for species at risk.

There is far too much being left to government discretion which I fear will result in species preservation and the health of our environment taking a backseat to development. We cannot destroy the environment of this province for the sake of development dollars. The environment and economy can co-exist in a way that supports both and it is incumbent upon the government to devise policies that treat the environment as the precious resource it is.

I urge the government to reverse course on Bill 5. Protect Ontario’s environment. Respect Indigenous rights and community voices. And build responsibly, with the long-term well-being of this province in mind.