Bill 5 is officially called the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025. It’s an omnibus bill that proposes sweeping changes to environmental laws, including repealing the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and replacing it with the weaker Species Conservation Act, 2025.

Bill 5 removes many science-based protections for species at risk, allows politicians to overrule expert advice, narrows what counts as protected habitat, and introduces “pay-to-destroy” loopholes where developers can damage habitat in exchange for money — without guarantees that it will be restored.

Bill 5 was introduced by Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines in Doug Ford’s Ontario government. It reflects the priorities of the Progressive Conservative party to accelerate development and reduce environmental “barriers.”

No - it affects plants, insects, birds, fish, amphibians, and ecosystems across Ontario. Any species currently protected under the Endangered Species Act could lose safeguards under the new law.

Bill 5 has been marketed as helping resource projects move faster, but its environmental changes could affect any development, including highways, landfills, quarries, and urban sprawl - even in areas with threatened species.

Not in the same way. Under the old law, species automatically received protection once listed by experts. Under Bill 5, the government can choose not to list species - and even if listed, their habitat might not be fully protected.

Speak up! You can sign our official petition, contact your MPP, and help spread awareness in your community. Every action helps hold the government accountable.

This is an official Legislative Assembly of Ontario petition, which must follow specific rules. That means handwritten signatures on paper only - no digital or scanned copies are allowed. This gives the petition real legal weight at Queen’s Park.

No - signatures must be done by hand with a pen, directly on the printed form. The Legislature won’t accept typed, digital, or photocopied signatures.

No - your name and address are required to validate the petition, but they won’t be published or shared publicly.

Absolutely! You can print extra copies, collect signatures from friends, family, or at events, and send them back to us. The more signatures, the louder our voice.

Just mail or drop off the original signed page to one of the sponsoring MPPs. You can find the list of MPPs and their addresses addresses HERE. Only original paper copies count!

Anyone who lives in Ontario - regardless of age or citizenship - can sign. You do not need to be a registered voter.

No! The ERO comments are reviewed by Ministry Staff but likely will have little impact on Bill 5 itself. The Petition will be raised the the Legislative Assembly of Ontario and is the most powerful tool to have our voices heard.

Yes! The comment period on the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) for Bill 5 is not related to the Petition. The Petition can be raised at any time, but the sooner the better.