If passed, Bill 5 would scrap the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and create “special economic zones” where developers and resource companies would be exempt from provincial regulations.
This situation is compounding a series of previous measures that the Ontario government has taken in recent years to dismantle protections for endangered species, including exemptions for the logging industry and “pay-to-slay” provisions.
Bill 5 also has the potential to trample Indigenous rights if it doesn’t respect the right to free prior and informed consent. Indigenous Peoples must be at the center of all discussions about sustainable economies and protecting endangered species.
De Beers Victor Mine, Attawapiskat River, Ring of Fire
Given the high stakes Bill 5 presents a big moment to mobilize for nature across Ontario. We’re calling on Premier Doug Ford to cancel the Bill and end the attacks on endangered species and inviting you to join us.
After Canada successfully hosted and landed a historic “Deal for Nature” (The Kunming-Montreal Agreement) in 2022, hopes were high for a new wave of government actions to halt biodiversity loss and respect Indigenous knowledge.
Some provinces have stepped up to the plate by committing to new protections, investing in conservation and partnering with Indigenous Peoples. In contrast, the Ontario government has dragged its heels on establishing new protected areas.
And yet, as provinces go, the people of Ontario are among the most enthusiastic for government action to preserve nature and biodiversity. Together, we can be a positive voice for nature by expressing our values loudly and clearly to the government.
If anything, Premier Ford should strengthen endangered species protection so wildlife can flourish and communities can benefit from conservation. That doesn’t mean stopping all development. It means building strong local economies that are in harmony with nature, not in conflict with nature.
No matter how he spins it, bulldozing endangered species protections is only going to unleash more problems in the long run. Healthy forests and waters sustain all Ontarians, not just endangered species. A handful of developers will rake in short-term profits, leaving the bill for the rest of us. We all rely on a healthy environment for the air we breathe and the water we drink.
Please join us in asking Premier Ford to end the attacks on Endangered Species and to stop Bill 5.
Shane Moffatt, Ontario Nature's Conservation Campaigns and Advocacy Manager, is a settler living in Tkaronto (Toronto) on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. He has been advocating for environmental justice for almost twenty years and holds an LLM from the University of Toronto. Shane was previously head of Greenpeace Canada’s nature campaign and has extensive experience advocating for legislative reforms, supporting impacted communities and empowering the public to act. Shane is an avid hiker and is frequently found exploring the forests and wetlands of Southern Ontario with his partner.
6 Replies to “Bill 5: A Moment to Mobilize for Nature in Ontario”
It is time to listen to indigenous councils and show respect to them for their guidance over the past 500 years. If we continue to disrespect and ignore their knowledge and expertise we will continue to generate more problems, in our quest to live in Ontario. Bill 5 must be stopped and relationships with respect must be constructed.
We don’t need billionaire resorts that only the rich can afford. We need our wildlife, we need our farmland protected now more than ever. Leave nature alone. In 20 years time all of these billionaire spots will be abandoned and left for vandals and you can’t replace them later with wildlife and farmland. Stop wasting our money on your rich friends Doug Ford.
Stop Bill 5
It is time to listen to indigenous councils and show respect to them for their guidance over the past 500 years. If we continue to disrespect and ignore their knowledge and expertise we will continue to generate more problems, in our quest to live in Ontario. Bill 5 must be stopped and relationships with respect must be constructed.
The environment is important!
We don’t need billionaire resorts that only the rich can afford. We need our wildlife, we need our farmland protected now more than ever. Leave nature alone. In 20 years time all of these billionaire spots will be abandoned and left for vandals and you can’t replace them later with wildlife and farmland. Stop wasting our money on your rich friends Doug Ford.
We need more people like Shane Moffatt
Thankyou
We have to protect andbtake car all Natural Resources and thanks God for blessing these to us. Please do not destroy them