I am writing as a concerned…

I am writing as a concerned Ontario resident to submit a comment on Bill 5.

I am deeply alarmed by how this bill prioritizes the rapid expansion of energy, infrastructure, and mineral extraction projects at the expense of environmental protection and Indigenous rights.
With regard to the environment, Bill 5 weakens key regulations related to environmental assessments, endangered species, and natural heritage areas. At a time of global climate crisis, we must strengthen, not dismantle, our environmental protections. This bill does the opposite, placing capitalist development ahead of the health of our ecosystems and our collective future.

Equally troubling are the bill’s provisions that infringe on constitutionally protected Indigenous rights. Bill 5 contradicts basic principles of justice, law, and reconciliation. Despite the Ontario government's public commitments to Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation (e.g., https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/ford-calls-on-ontarians-to-deepe…), this legislation undermines those commitments and disrespects the rights of Indigenous peoples.

I am also concerned about the proposed creation of Special Economic Zones, which would allow “trusted proponents” and “designated projects” to bypass both provincial and municipal regulations. The bill provides little clarity on how these zones will be created or what rules may be waived, especially with respect to those protecting the environment and Indigenous rights.

Taken together, Bill 5 blunts the regulations that ensure construction and extraction don’t cause undue harm to land, water, wildlife and human health. I urge you to withdraw this bill from consideration.

For more information on the evidence behind my comment and concerns, see:

On Indigenous Rights and Concerns around Bill 5: https://thenarwhal.ca/bill-5-northern-ontario-first-nations/

On Bill 5’s impact on endangered species: https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-endangered-species-act-repealed/

Article demonstrating the Ontario government's professed committment to Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation: https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/ford-calls-on-ontarians-to-deepe…