A new bill from the provincial government would roll back protections for endangered species in Ontario, which is raising concern from environmental groups.
Bill 5—the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act—was introduced at Queen’s Park on April 17. It would repeal the Endangered Species Act and replace it with the Species Conservation Act. Environmental experts say the new legislation weakens habitat protections and clears the way for development in sensitive areas.
“This is a complete abandonment of Ontario’s duty to protect species at risk,” says Katie Krelove, an Ontario campaigner for the Wilderness Committee, a national conservation group. “It’s a death sentence for many species.”
The proposed bill would:
- Redefine “habitat” to include only a species’ den, nest, or other dwelling and the immediate space around it;
- Give Cabinet authority to override scientific advice about which species should be listed as at risk;
- Remove provincial protections for migratory birds and aquatic species
Krelove says these changes would undermine nearly 20 years of progress.
Protecting nature, she says, is not separate from protecting people. “Clean water, clean air, and healthy ecosystems all support our safety and well being.”
Bill 5 also proposes broad changes to environmental oversight. It would:
- Create “special economic zones” where developers selected by the province would be exempt from many regulations;
- Fast-track mining approvals, including in the Ring of Fire— a mineral development region in Northern Ontario;
- Weaken environmental assessment rules for large-scale projects
The provincial government says the bill will boost Ontario’s economy, support the development of critical minerals, and reduce foreign influence in the energy sector.
“We are unveiling a bold plan that ensures Canada is self-reliant, economically independent, and seizing every opportunity to grow our economy and stand on our own two feet,” said Stephen Lecce, the Minister of Energy and Mines in an April 17 news release, adding that the province wants to speed up approvals and get projects, such as mines and energy development, moving faster.
Krelove disagrees.
“The government hasn’t shown any evidence that species protections are blocking development,” she says. “We need smart policies that support the economy and nature at the same time. The bill does neither.”
Recently, Krelove has been working on the north shore of Lake Huron, where she met with local residents and First Nations leaders to oppose a proposed rock quarry near the Serpent River watershed. The site is home to a large population of Blanding’s turtles, a well-known threatened species.
She says if Bill 5 passes, projects like the rock quarry could move forward without proper review. “It’s our children, grandchildren, and future generations who are going to end up experiencing the consequences if we don’t protect nature.”
The public can comment on the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act until May 17 at the Environmental Registry of Ontario.
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