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Bill 5 repeals the Endangered Species Act and creates Law-Free Zones in Ontario
The Ford government continues to expedite Bill 5 the “Protect Ontario By Unleashing Our Economy Act” proposed on the eve of the Good Friday holiday by the Ford government. It will not only create very concerning lawless Economic Zones at the government’s whim where no rules will apply, it will also fully repeal Ontario’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the entire province that was once heralded as world-leading. The entire ESA will be replaced with far weaker regulations gutting protections and allowing development to destroy habitat and restoration efforts.
Media are warning that Bill 5 will lead to an environmental “slaughterfest”, while First Nations are stating that their rights can’t simply be eliminated by the provincial government. Proposed changes to the Electricity Act would allow the government to direct Ontario’s energy agencies, like the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and Ontario Power Generation (OPG), to stop buying goods and services from certain countries, regions or territories (e.g. China). Energy advocates are warning that by arbitrarily banning Chinese components in energy projects this bill could effectively ban new solar and wind energy in Ontario.
Groups and organizations across the province are realizing the horrors and are coming together to fight this outrageous bill that overrides environmental laws, democratic processes, municipal planning, provincial laws, and personal rights to prioritize private company profits and give “Trusted Proponents” carte blanche to do and destroy whatever they want with no recourse. This is not in the best public interest to see so much power given to so few with no oversight or rules.
Actions
Bill 5 falls under the jurisdiction of MPP Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines. You are able to share concerns directly with him:
Ministry office: Ministry of Energy and Mines, 10th Floor, 77 Grenville St, Toronto Ontario, M7A 2C1 Tel: 416 327 6758
Constituency office (King—Vaughan): Unit 1, 2220 King Rd, King City, ON L7B 1L3 Tel.: 647-560-9700 Fax: 647-560-9701
Submit a One-Click Letter to the Government: (multiple links below)
Water Watchers: https://win.newmode.net/waterwatchers/stopbill5
Environmental Defence: https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/170384/action/1
Wildlands League: https://wildlandsleague.org/stop-bill5/
Ontario Nature Action Alert: https://ontarionature.good.do/bill-5-stop-attacks-on-endangered-species/Email/
Additional Information: https://www.amo.on.ca/policy/finance-infrastructure-and-economy/ontario-introduces-bill-5-and-re-introduces-homelessness