Bill 5 Demands Action: Stand Up for Endangered Species

For nearly 20 years, Ontario’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) has been a vital safeguard for at-risk wildlife and their habitats. But now, after years of neglect, the Ontario government has introduced Bill 5 — the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act — which would repeal the ESA and replace it with a much weaker Species Conservation Act.

According to Laura Bowman of Ecojustice, the new act dangerously narrows the definition of “habitat” to just an animal’s immediate dwelling — ignoring the surrounding areas needed for feeding, mating, and migration.

Currently, when development threatens species or habitat, permits must be reviewed by environmental experts with measures to reduce harm. Bill 5 replaces this with a simple online form, eliminating expert oversight and stripping away critical protections.

Even more alarming, Bill 5 includes the Special Economic Zones Act, giving Cabinet the power to create law-free zones where provincial and municipal regulations — including environmental laws — no longer apply.

The bill is open for public comment until May 17, leaving us with a narrow window to speak up.

We all want a strong economy — but not at the expense of science, nature, and our rights. Let’s tell the government: Ontario is not for sale. Our species, our water, and our future deserve better.

Join me in signing the petition to stop Bill 5 and defend Ontario’s natural heritage.  You can also leave comments at the Environmental Registry of Ontario.

Pete S

Toronto Field Naturalists wishes to acknowledge this Land through which we walk. For thousands of years, the Land has been shared by the Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and the Anishinaabe. Toronto is situated on the Land within the Toronto Purchase, Treaty 13, the traditional and treaty Lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. This territory is also part of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum, a covenant agreement between Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Wendat peoples and allied nations to peaceably share the land and all its resources. Today, the Land is home to peoples of numerous nations. We are all grateful to have the opportunity to continue to care for and share the beauty of this Land.