FOW Response to proposed Bill 5

Friends of Wabakimi Response to the Proposed Bill 5: Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act.

Recently, the Friends of Wabakimi (FOW) became aware of the Ontario Government’s newly tabled omnibus bill, Bill 5: the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act. This bill undermines environmental protections to fast-track development, putting sensitive ecosystems, species at risk, critical habitat, and Indigenous rights at risk.

This bill proposes to repeal the Endangered Species Act (2007), replacing it with a watered-down Species Conservation Act. Additionally, the new Special Economic Zones Act proposed would give Cabinet the power to exempt certain projects from provincial or municipal regulations.

There are many notable and incredibly concerning changes within Bill 5. The definition for “habitat” of species at risk would be narrowed to only dwelling areas, such as nests and dens, and the areas surrounding them. This excludes critical areas for feeding, mating, and migrating from protection. For species such as the threatened Boreal Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) which require large contiguous areas, this new definition would only cover a tiny fraction of their critical habitat. Projects previously requiring permits, if their activities were to threaten a species at risk, would now simply be required to register. 

These changes may also undermine Indigenous communities’ right to free, prior, and informed consent for projects taking place on their territories.
 
As advocates for the preservation and protection of the diverse ecological, cultural, and historical resources of the Wabakimi Area, FOW is deeply concerned that Bill 5 may severely impact species at risk and critical environments in Ontario and the Wabakimi Area. In addition, commercial tourism may be negatively impacted by the potential increase in forest degradation for industrial use, given the large number of travellers both Canadian and international who visit the boreal forest for recreational purposes.

The commenting period for Bill 5 will be open on the Environmental Registry of Ontario until May 17, 2025. You can submit your comments here. Below are further learning resources and actions, including a general text outline you may use in the ERO comment section. We encourage you to use all tools available.

Sincerely, 

Friends of Wabakimi Board of Directors



Additional Resources:

• Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025
• Submit a Comment on the Bill 5 ERO Page​
  • Comment Text: Edit and Use
• Action Alert: Ecojustice 
• Action Alert: Ontario Nature
• Blog: Ontario Nature
• Press Release: Ecojustice
• Press Release: Environmental Defence
• Press Release: Wildlife Conservation Society

PDF Version of FOW Response