I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my concern and opposition to Bill 5, particularly the Special Economic Zones Act.

This act undermines environmental and species-at-risk protection, threatening Ontario's biodiversity and natural heritage. The potential to bypass environmental assessments and protections will lead to irreversible damage to ecosystems and species.

The proposed legislation lacks clear provisions for consultation with Indigenous communities, potentially violating the principles of free, prior, and informed consent as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This oversight disregards the rights and sovereignty of Indigenous Peoples over their traditional territories.

Empowering the provincial government to override municipal bylaws diminishes the authority of local governments and the communities they represent. This centralization of power could lead to developments that do not align with local needs and priorities.

I want to see the complete withdrawal of Bill 5.

Ontario's economic development should not come at the expense of our environment, the rights of Indigenous Peoples, or the autonomy and authority of our municipalities.