I am writing to oppose the…

I am writing to oppose the passing of Bill 5 “Protecting Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act 2025”. This bill would do nothing to protect Ontario in terms of its environment, health and economic well-being.

We are in a global biodiversity crisis. In Ontario alone, more than 230 plants and animals are at risk. These species at risk rely on healthy forests and waters to thrive. Everything is connected and a healthy environment directly impacts the health and well-being of all Ontarians.

Repealing the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by only protecting the home (e.g., nest or den) of an animal does not protect the larger environment where that animal forages for food and shelters from predators. Without the critical surrounding habitat protected, these animals are at greater risk of loss of live.

And by revoking the protection of wetlands, your government is putting communities at risk. Minden, Ontario has faced states of emergency because of flooding several times in the past 10 years. Wetlands are crucial in mitigating the negative effects of climate change. They absorb water and then slowly release it. In addition, wetlands help keep our drinking water clean. It is imperative that they be protected!

Rather than significantly weakening protections for species at risk and their habitats, your government should be safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring local communities benefit from the ecosystem services that nature freely provides.

The Special Economic Zones Act proposed in this bill would consolidate absolute power to the province for “designated projects” within certain geographic areas, exempting industry from both provincial and municipal laws.

As it stands, Bill 5 would grant the provincial government the ability to ignore labour as well as health and safety laws, putting fair wages and safe working conditions at risk. Far from protecting Ontario, Bill 5 would allow all provincial laws to be violated wherever the Cabinet decides.

Ontario must provide predictability and consistency and strengthen confidence in the rule of law by setting firm, enforceable legislative criteria for environmental (and other permissions) and by avoiding broad discretion.

Robust environmental assessments must be continued. I am not against development (e.g., housing or industry), but we need to move forward while respecting and protecting the environment so important to Ontarians and by consulting our First Nations before proceeding. Decisions should be made based on science and Indigenous knowledge, not profit.