Dear Decision Makers, I am…

Dear Decision Makers,

I am writing to express my unequivocal opposition to Bill 5 - the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025 (ERO #025-0416). If passed, this legislation will not only dismantle core environmental protections but also set a dangerous precedent for the future of Ontario’s ecosystems, public accountability, and Indigenous consultation. This decision would be shortsighted, reckless, and undermine the sound scientific evidence in place regarding the importance of the Endangered Species Act.

This bill proposes to repeal the Endangered Species Act, 2007. This decision would abandon scientifically recognized safeguards for Ontario’s most vulnerable wildlife and habitat. The extinction of species is not a reversible error. Stripping these protections to prioritize short-term development profits over biodiversity is both reckless and irresponsible governance. Ontario would certainly not be "yours to discover" if there is no biodiversity or ecological balance intact.

Additionally, the bill’s provision to create Special Economic Zones (SEZs) where developers can bypass municipal and provincial laws is an outright attack on democratic oversight and environmental stewardship. These carve-outs would allow unchecked urban sprawl and exploitation, undermining the very regulatory framework designed to safeguard public interests. The Ford government's history of collaborating with developers and undermining Ontario citizens' concerns continues to be perpetuated within this proposed Bill.

Further, exempting the Ontario Place redevelopment from public consultation under the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993, is a blatant dismissal of community voice and environmental justice, and challenges our democratic rights to voice concerns. Ontario residents have the right to participate in decisions that directly affect their public spaces, health, and local ecosystems.

The attack on clean energy in Bill 5 is equally alarming. Granting the government power to ban renewable energy components from international sources, especially targeting solar and wind infrastructure, will cripple Ontario’s transition to a low-carbon future. This forces increased reliance on fossil fuels, contradicting Ontario’s climate commitments and global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This also overall decreases the province's ability to become a self-sufficient energy producer, further contradicting the Ford government's promises to Ontario residents.

Lastly, this bill shows a profound disrespect for Indigenous rights and heritage by proposing the elimination of archaeological assessment requirements. Consultation with Indigenous Nations is not just a box to tick; it is a constitutionally protected obligation. Ignoring this is a violation of Indigenous sovereignty and reconciliation efforts and against the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Bill 5 is an unprecedented rollback of Ontario’s environmental, democratic, and Indigenous rights protections, all under the misleading guise of "unleashing" the economy. A healthy economy cannot exist on a dying planet, nor can it thrive when public trust is so openly eroded.

I urge the Government of Ontario to immediately withdraw Bill 5 and recommit to transparent, science-based, and democratic processes that protect both our environment and our future.