Stop Bill 5: Say No to the Attack on Ontario’s Environment and Democracy

The Tiny Township Residents' Alliance is calling on our community to speak out against Bill 5 – the "Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025", an omnibus bill that undermines decades of environmental protections and democratic safeguards in Ontario.

We urge all residents of Simcoe North and across Ontario to send a letter to Premier Ford, Minister Lecce, and Minister McCarthy before the public comment period closes on May 17, 2025. A downloadable letter template is available below.

What’s At Stake?

Despite its name, Bill 5 does not protect Ontario—it puts our shared environment and the rule of law in jeopardy.

Bill 5 seeks to:

• Repeal the Endangered Species Act and replace it with a new Species Conservation Act that would:

  • Empower Cabinet to override science in species-at-risk decisions.

  • Remove mandatory recovery plans for endangered species.

  • Redefine “habitat” in a dangerously narrow way that ignores ecological realities.

  • Eliminate the need to consider safer alternatives when development threatens critical habitat.

• Create vaguely defined “special economic zones” (Schedule 9), exempting “trusted proponents” and “designated projects” from:

  • Provincial laws,

  • Municipal by-laws, and

  • Indigenous consultation requirements.

There are no clear limits or oversight mechanisms for these zones, effectively giving Cabinet unchecked power to sidestep environmental and democratic protections.

• Allow the Minister to suspend public oversight of the Mining Lands Administration System under changes to the Mining Act.

• Strip away heritage protections, environmental assessments, and First Nations consultation on development projects that impact ecologically sensitive areas like Ontario Place or the Ring of Fire as well as Natural Heritage Designations here in Tiny.

This is not responsible governance. This is a power grab that threatens our environment, our communities, and our democratic rights. The linked article from Village Report breaks down the issues in excellent detail.

Why This Matters in Tiny

Here in Tiny, we know the value of clean water, healthy forests, and thriving biodiversity. We know how vital these assets are—not just for their intrinsic value, but for our local economy: tourism, recreation, small business, property values, and a resilient climate future.

The Ontario government seems to believe environmental protections are barriers to growth. We believe they are the foundation of it.

Cottage country contributes billions to Ontario’s economy each year through stewardship, tourism, and community-building. But those contributions are only possible because our ecosystems remain healthy and intact. You can't have a thriving economy if you destroy the very resources it depends on.

Take Action Now

Deadline to submit a public comment: Friday, May 17, 2025

Download the Letter Template
We've created a downloadable template letter (Word file available below) for you to personalize and send. It includes:

• Talking points about local species at risk (e.g. loons, monarchs, snapping turtles, lake sturgeon)

• Space to mention your local lake or association

• Clear opposition to each harmful schedule of Bill 5

Send your letter to:

• Premier Doug Ford (premier@ontario.ca)

• Minister Stephen Lecce (stephen.lecce@pc.ola.org)

• Minister Todd McCarthy (todd.mccarthy@pc.ola.org)

• Minister Jill Dunlop (jill.dunlop@pc.ola.org)

Share with friends, neighbours, and local councillors
Even if responses come in after May 17, your voice matters.