I'm opposed to Bill 5, the…

I'm opposed to Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act. This legislation poses a threat to Ontario’s natural heritage, democratic processes and Indigenous rights.

Bill 5 proposes to repeal the Endangered Species Act replacing it with measures that will lead to the further decline of species already on the brink. It’s deregulation also threatens our ecology and community health.

Equally concerning is the creation of “special economic zones” that would allow cabinet to approve major development projects without proper environmental assessment, public input or Indigenous consultation.

Bill 5 would silence community voices, marginalize science and erase decades of hard-won environmental progress.

As per recommendations already stated to the ten Bill 5 Schedules in the "Submission of the Canadian Environmental Law Association on Bill 5 Presented to the Ministries of Energy and Mines Environment, Conservation and Parks Citizenship and Multiculturalism Infrastructure Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade - May 2025) (Ref. CELA Publication #1624), all of the Bill 5 schedules, with minor exceptions, should be withdrawn and not further considered by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario until they are substantially modified to ensure robust protection for the environment, human health, and vulnerable members of the Ontario public, including Indigenous peoples.

Protecting nature is not a barrier to economic growth. It’s the foundation of a healthy, resilient and just society.