Nature doesn’t have a voice in the Ford Government – but you do!

End the Attacks on Endangered Species and Stop Bill 5

A Message from our Partner – Ontario Nature

Bill 5: A Moment to Mobilize for Nature in Ontario

After years of neglect, endangered species in Ontario are facing their biggest threat in a generation in the form of Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025.

If passed, Bill 5 would scrap the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and create “special economic zones” where developers and resource companies would be exempt from provincial regulations.

This situation is compounding a series of previous measures that the Ontario government has taken in recent years to dismantle protections for endangered species, including exemptions for the logging industry and “pay-to-slay” provisions.

Bill 5 also has the potential to trample Indigenous rights if it doesn’t respect the right to free prior and informed consent. Indigenous Peoples must be at the center of all discussions about sustainable economies and protecting endangered species.

Given the high stakes Bill 5 presents a big moment to mobilize for nature across Ontario. We’re calling on Premier Doug Ford to cancel the Bill and end the attacks on endangered species and inviting you to join us.

Learn more with our Bill 5 media statement and blog.

Join us in calling on Premier Ford to end the attacks on Endangered Species and to stop Bill 5.

Photo by Sylvie Sabourin

A Message from Environmental Defence Canada

Bill 5 is an unprecedented attack on Endangered Species protections and the rule of law, but it is heartening to see civil society is starting to respond in force.

Environmental Defence has leaped into action to increase public awareness, work with MPPs, and encourage Ontarians to voice their concerns. We have already launched a social media campaign, conducted a public information webinar, and created radio ads. We are also working with our environmental, labour, and Indigenous partners to create a broad coalition of Ontarians fighting to stop Bill 5.

With the Federal election and U.S. tariffs dominating media coverage, Bill 5 has not received the attention it deserves. We need your help to raise the profile of Bill 5 and make sure Ontarians understand its implications.

View the Webinar on May 7, 2025: Stop the Bill 5 Power Grab!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

  • The ERO Posting on Special Economic Zones is open for comment until May 17th.

  • The ERO posting on the repeal of the Endangered Species Act is open for comment until May 17th.

  • Ecojustice’s review of Bill 5.

  • Environmental Defence’s Bill 5 Backgrounder.

  • Defend Endangered Species. Learn more about Bill 5 and what you can do here.

    • MPP Phone Blast

    • Leave a comment on the Environmental Registry before May 17, 2025.

    • Find and contact your MPP

    • Letter to MPP Template

    • Petition – Ecojustice

    • Petition – Premier Ford – Ontario Nature

    • Share with Family and Friends

    • What is the News?

    Call your MPP and ask them why they would support a bill that would put an end to the rule of law in Ontario?

    Even a short call will have an impact. If you don’t like talking to strangers, you can call after hours and leave a message.

For more information, check out:

Ontario is killing its Endangered Species Act. Here’s what you need to know.

Ford government guts Endangered Species Act, slashes wildlife protections in Ontario

Bill 5 Would End Endangered Species Protections and Attack Clean Energy

Doug Ford’s Bill 5 will lead to environmental ‘slaughterfest’