Dear Editor,

Doug Ford’s government is threatening Ontario’s democratic integrity, along with vital natural heritage and farmland (again).

Bill 5, the “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025” proposes to significantly impact the Endangered Species Act and replace it with a development-focused framework that will weaken protections for at-risk wildlife and habitats.

Additionally, Bill 5 undermines public and Indigenous consultation, sidesteps and erodes science-based decision-making, and grants excessive and irresponsible powers to Cabinet to override environmental safeguards and municipal bylaws – risking privileging developer’s interests over environmental protection and community input, all without proper transparency.

If it’s passed, this bill will fast-track development in so-called, self-determined “special economic zones,” potentially allowing the destruction of sensitive habitats – including those here in Essex County.

Our farmland, wetlands, and natural areas could be opened to sprawl and industrial use, further endangering species already at risk.

Local neighbours like the Blanding’s Turtle, Monarch Butterfly, and Barn Owls all rely on the very habitats that this bill could sacrifice or further jeopardize.

Bill 5 doesn’t just threaten the species already listed as endangered; it risks accelerating the decline of many others that are already at-risk or under pressure, pushing them toward endangered status if protections are weakened or removed.

Leading environmental organizations – the David Suzuki Foundation, Environmental Defence, Ontario Nature, the Wildlands League, and the Alliance for a Liveable Ontario – have all raised serious concerns.

This bill is not about balance or growth. It’s a dangerous step backwards that has the potential to erase decades of conservation progress.

There’s still time to share our thoughts and concerns!

Public comments on Bill 5 are open until May 17 on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO # 025- 0380). You can submit your comment at ero.ontario.ca.

Let’s let our MPP know that protecting Ontario’s voice, democracy, species, farmland, and natural areas are a priority.

Let’s demonstrate that our communities know the value of our food sovereignty and farmlands, natural places and spaces, wildlife, and shared future.

Let’s advocate for real, sustainable solutions that protect what we cherish and depend on – at the forefront alongside addressing urgent needs like affordable housing.

~ Rachael Mills ~
Harrow, ON
Green Core Restore-Essex County Connectivity Initiative

Image by danuta niemiec from Pixabay