Stop Bill 5: Tell Your MPP to Protect Ontario’s Future
The Ontario government is currently rushing through two new pieces of legislation — Bill 5 and Bill 17 — that could have detrimental long-term impacts on our environment and communities, while calling into question the democratic processes that are meant to prevent governments from overriding essential protections. The combination of these two bills seems designed to create a perfect storm of ignorance and unchecked power over our green spaces. Everything about the timeline suggests a lack of transparency and a calculated rush to push them through. The attempt to do so discreetly, bypassing consultation with Indigenous leaders, the public, and environmental organizations, is deeply alarming. We must act now to protect Ontario’s native species and essential ecosystems.
So, what is Bill 5?
Bill 5, titled “Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act”, proposes sweeping changes to the Endangered Species Act, 2007 that would:
Create ‘Special Economic Zones’ anywhere in Ontario where Cabinet can override existing laws — including environmental protections and land use planning.
Replace the Endangered Species Act, gutting protections for species at risk and eliminating recovery goals.
Redefine “habitat” so narrowly that it no longer supports the actual needs of endangered species.
Introduce a permitless registration system — allowing developers to legally destroy species and their habitat with a simple online form.
Sidestep Ontario’s treaty obligations with First Nations, prompting strong opposition from Indigenous leaders.
During committee hearings, Indigenous representatives and environmental advocates spoke out forcefully. Environmental lawyer Laura Bowman warned that the bill would cause “irrevocable harm to species and ecosystems across Ontario.” Others pointed out that while the government frames this as cutting “red tape,” what’s really being cut are essential protections for our shared natural heritage.
“Protecting endangered species – that’s not red tape. That’s an essential safeguard for a society,” said Tony Morris, Director of Conservation Policy for Ontario Nature.
Experts like Dr. Morgan Piczak have likened the new definition of habitat to “protecting someone’s bedroom, but not their kitchen or the hallway between them.” If passed, Bill 5 would make Ontario one of the least protective provinces in Canada for endangered species.
What’s Really at Stake?
This legislation has been promoted as a way to fast-track proposed developments and eyes are on mining in the Ring of Fire, but many advocates fear it’s part of a larger “do first, ask later” strategy that will remove environmental safeguards and lead to more destructive development as a quick fix. This has the potential to include efforts to force through controversial projects like Highway 413, which has faced strong opposition from municipalities, Indigenous communities, and environmental groups. Noting 11 species at risk found along the proposed route would be directly in harm’s way, which seem highly likely some of the strongest motivators behind rushing Bill 5 through.
How Bill 5 and Bill 17 Threaten Ontario’s Environmental and Democratic Protections
Bill 17 compounds the problem by granting Ministers the power to override local land use planning laws and strip municipalities of their ability to enforce green building standards or require affordable housing in new developments.
Together, Bill 5 and Bill 17 represent a concentrated power grab. They would:
Undermine local decision-making
Disempower Indigenous governance
Open the door to sprawling, unaffordable, high-emission development
Bypass environmental reviews and public input
This is not a policy that protects Ontario, it’s deregulation under the guise of economic progress.
TAKE ACTION NOW
These bills have the potential reshape Ontario for generations, and not for the better. Tell your MPP: we need leadership that strengthens our communities and protects what matters, not short-sighted legislation that puts everything at risk.
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