Bill 5, the “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act,” passed in the legislature on Wednesday. The bill is designed to accelerate resource development and poses a significant risk to Ontario nature by overriding environmental protections. Additionally, Bill 5 infringes on the rights of Indigenous peoples to free, prior and informed consent regarding projects on their lands. 

At Small Change Fund, we’re not giving up on environmental justice in Ontario, and neither are our partners. Jennifer Morris, Director of Friends of Ball’s Bridge & Little Lakes, told Now Toronto that she is “disappointed and sad…[and] just can’t believe that in 2025 [this] is happening.” Rhonda Kirby, President of North Shore Environmental Resource Advocates (NSERA) added that while she feels “despair, frustration and anger” at the passing of the bill, NSERA will continue to educate the public about the dangerous impacts. “I think everybody who has been pushing to oppose this has to continue to do so. This bill has to be repealed. It’s just such bad legislation,” she told Now Toronto.

Climate Momentum (Stratford Perth) has been running a vigorous campaign against Bill 5, including a successful postcard initiative encouraging the public to write to their MPP opposing the bill. At an in person gathering, the group went through 100 postcards in just 45 minutes.

We will continue to share opportunities to fight Bill 5 and stand in solidarity with the First Nations and environmental groups working to repeal the legislation.