David Suzuki Foundation says passing of Bill 5 delivers massive blow to Ontario’s environment – and democracy

Toronto | CANADA (June 4, 2025) – The Ontario government has passed Bill 5, and with it ushered in a frightening new era of environmental rollbacks and democratic decline. That is the opinion of the David Suzuki Foundation, which cites the repeal of the Endangered Species Act and implementation of “special economic zones” as serious violations of the province’s duty to protect biodiversity, maintain transparency and ensure public oversight.  

“Today is a sad day for all Ontarians,” says Rachel Plotkin, wildlife campaigner at the David Suzuki Foundation. “This government has turned its back on endangered wildlife, Indigenous rights and the public’s right to engage in land-use decisions.” 

The legislation repeals the Endangered Species Act, weakens environmental safeguards and gives cabinet sweeping new powers to approve development in “special economic zones.” Those zones would require no environmental assessment, public consultation or Indigenous consent.  

“It’s not just ‘radical environmentalists’ who are sounding the alarm, as Ford suggests,” Plotkin says. “It’s scientists, municipalities, Indigenous nations and concerned citizens throughout the province who stood up to defend nature in Ontario but were ignored. Ford continues to dismiss his critics, forgetting that he works for us, too.” 

The David Suzuki Foundation had called on its supporters to urge the government to withdraw Bill 5. The Foundation now joins voices across Ontario in calling for its full repeal. 

“We need stronger, not weaker, environmental protections,” Plotkin says. “You cannot have a healthy society — or a stable economy — without a healthy environment.” 

The Foundation warns that Bill 5 sets a dangerous precedent — not just for Ontario but for all of Canada — by prioritizing short-term industrial gain over long-term ecological and societal wellbeing. Although the legislation may be law, the fight to restore protections, uphold Indigenous rights and ensure democratic accountability is far from over. The David Suzuki Foundation remains committed to working with partners and communities to challenge this law and defend a livable future for all. 

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For more information or interviews, please contact: 

Stefanie Carmichael, Communications Manager, David Suzuki Foundation, , scarmichael@davidsuzuki.org