Ontario’s recently introduced Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025 has disturbing implications for the protection of nature and effectively muzzles dissent and community voices.
If passed, Bill 5 would exempt entire regions from provincial laws and environmental safeguards through the the creation of “special economic zones” – such as those in and around the proposed Ring of Fire mining development. It would also repeal the Endangered Species Act, replacing it with a weaker, voluntary regime and terminate the environmental assessment for a major mining project in the Ring of Fire, the Eagle’s Nest mine.
Too often, economic gain is pitted against environmental protection. Bill 5 is another attempt to evict Indigenous rights and nature from law. To safeguard the immense climate and cultural value the North holds for our health and well-being, we must stop prioritizing the rights of private, industrial uses over respect for communities’ rights, including Indigenous law and sovereignty.
Add your voice urging Ontario to withdraw Bill 5.
Your message will be sent to the Premier of Ontario, Minister of Energy of Mines and your elected Member of Provincial Parliament.