Addressing Changes to the…

Addressing Changes to the Eagle’s Nest Mine Project (ERO number 025-0396)

I request the Government of Ontario to withdraw Schedule 3 of the proposed Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025. This schedule seeks to exempt significant projects, including the Eagle’s Nest Mine, from the rigorous scrutiny mandated by the Environmental Assessment Act (EAA).

There are several critical concerns regarding this proposed exemption:

Weakening of Environmental Oversight:
The exemption from EAA reviews for key projects undermines the essential oversight necessary to ensure that mining activities are conducted responsibly and sustainably. The Mining Act already requires stringent oversight, and further weakening of these regulations poses a risk to both the environment and public health.

Indigenous Rights:
The fast-tracking of extraction projects in remote areas, such as the Ring of Fire, without proper assessment or consultation threatens Indigenous rights. It is crucial to uphold the Crown’s Duty to Consult and adhere to the principles of free, prior, and informed consent as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The proposed bill fails to adequately recognize and respect these rights, which is a fundamental oversight.

Misleading Economic Narratives:
The narrative that positions environmental protection against job creation is misleading. Strong environmental laws are essential for sustainable, long-term economic prosperity. Exempting significant projects from environmental assessments disregards the potential negative impacts on the environment and communities, ultimately jeopardizing the very economic benefits that proponents claim to seek.

Lack of Justification:
The proposed exemption lacks credible justification. It is vital to maintain rigorous environmental assessments to evaluate the need for and alternatives to projects like the Eagle’s Nest Mine. This process is essential for informed decision-making that considers the broader implications for the environment and communities.

In light of these concerns, I urge this government to reconsider the implications of Schedule 3 of Bill 5 and to withdraw this provision to ensure that Ontario continues to prioritize environmental protection, Indigenous rights, and sustainable economic development.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.