Species and environmental protection is not the enemy of economic development, rather it is an agreement of co-operation and consideration.

The Ford government in Ontario is using the trade conflict with the US to push through legislation that repeals the Endangered Species Act, claiming it stands in the way of economic development. 

This will have catastrophic impact on Ontario's biodiversity--in particular the rarest and most vulnerable wildlife. By protecting species, we protect ecosystems, which in turn protects the health and well-being of all Ontarians. We can do this while still working together to protect our economic interests. 

The government claims they can gut existing environmental protection in favour of super-charging development and mining projects while maintaining environmental standards and fulfilling constitutional obligations to Indigenous communities.

Species protection is not too costly or complicated. It is legislation that exists to hold both government and the private sector accountable. 

Sign this petition. By adding your signature, you are telling the Ford government you 

• object to Bill 5 Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act 2025 
• value the Endangered Species Act and expect the government to leave it intact
• demand the government find ways to pursue economic development without eroding, over-riding, or eliminating current legislation dedicated to environmental protection

Let's make some noise! Please sign and share. Thank you.

See below for more information about Bill 5 Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act 2025. For additional analysis and information visit

cbc article, ecojustice, wildlife conservations society can

Among other things, Bill 5 Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act 2025

• identifies the standards and requirements set out in law to protect vulnerable species and overall biodiversity as "unnecessary delays and costs."
• redefines "habitat" to include only the animal's nesting/roosting site and the area immediately surrounding it, stripping it from its ecological context.
• allows the province to opt-out of shared responsibility for certain migratory species, citing federal jurisdiction.
• allows the province to disregard species listings in favour of independent assessment.
• establishes vaguely defined "special economic zones" granting Cabinet broad regulatory authority to over-ride and modify existing laws (including municipal by-laws), exempt certain projects from legal restraints altogether, eliminate some rights and avenues of appeal.