What does Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government have in common with the reigning New Democratic Party all the way across the country in B.C.?
In recent weeks, both have introduced legislation that could give extraordinary powers to sidestep environmental rules to allow for development. With these laws, both governments are writing themselves “blank cheques” — that’s according to critics who independently chose the exact same words in recent interviews with The Narwhal. Here’s the low-down:
Soon after being elected to its third term, the Ontario government under Premier Doug Ford announced Bill 5, which would wipe out the 18-year-old Endangered Species Act (once considered among the best provincial at-risk species laws in Canada) and give cabinet the power to create “special economic zones” where development can be pushed through without regard for any provincial or municipal rules.
The government has signaled its intention to apply this near-lawless designation to the Ring of Fire, highly touted for its critical minerals, and First Nations from Treaty 9 and other northern Ontario regions have a lot to say about it, as freelancer Savannah Ridley reported from a Friends of Attawapiskat gathering in Timmins, Ont. Bill 5, for its part, has very little to say about Indigenous Rights and consultation. You can read all about that, and much more, in Ontario reporter Fatima Syed’s explainer, here.
If this feels like déjà vu, it’s because we’ve seen this playbook before. In the face of great need (first it was savings; then the pandemic; then housing; now, U.S. tariffs), the Ontario government has repeatedly put environmental safeguards — the ones that protect water, wildlife and human health — on the chopping block and a lot more control in its own (not experts’ or the public’s) hands.
Before special economic zones, there were ministerial zoning orders (which still exist, by the way). Before the province took aim at the Endangered Species Act, it weakened conservation authorities.
The government talks a big game about being able to boost the economy and also protect the environment, but we’re still waiting on the evidence.
Across the country, B.C.’s NDP government seems to be in lockstep with Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives. Premier David Eby’s government has introduced Bill 15, legislation designed to give B.C. powers to approve major projects no matter their potential environmental impacts. There are many striking similarities between reporter Shannon Waters’ coverage of B.C.’s Bill 15 and Fatima’s piece on Ontario’s Bill 5, so let us be clear: we’re not copying the homework, the provinces are!
Like the twin “blank cheque” metaphors, the backlash from First Nations is eerily familiar. Amid a flurry of criticism, the First Nations Leadership Council has just called on B.C. to immediately withdraw Bill 15 as well as Bill 14 — a similar piece of legislation that aims to fast-track renewable energy and transmission line projects.
But here’s something that’s a little different between the provinces. Unlike in B.C., the Ontario government is inviting the public to submit comments on Bill 5 until May 17, and has scheduled public hearings on May 22 and 26. That’s part of why Fatima broke it all down and, yes, linked to the registry where comments can be entered.
The Narwhal’s vision is to inspire people to hold power to account. Whether your provincial government is officially asking for your opinion or not, I hope you’ll take the time to get informed and have your voice heard on issues that matter where you live.
A better-informed public is better equipped to hold power to account — in Ontario, B.C. and anywhere else.
Take care and speak up,
Elaine Anselmi
Ontario bureau chief
P.S. The original version of this newsletter mislabelled Ontario’s Bill 5 legislation as Bill 15. We apologize for the error and any confusion — and thanks to the sharp-eyed reader who pointed it out!
Celebrating 7 years of The Narwhal — and gearing up for the next 7
The year before we launched The Narwhal, Emma Gilchrist and I sought the advice of a pollster who asked us an intriguing question about the, well, soul of the publication we wanted to bring to life:
“If these folks were throwing a party, what kind of party would it be? Would you want to be there?”
I still find value in revisiting this question and I’m drawn to it again today as we celebrate The Narwhal’s seventh birthday. Seven! I know!
Despite the challenges facing journalism today, we continue to believe — thanks to loyal subscribers like you! — that there is an appetite for high-quality reporting that draws an eager public back into the conversation about the natural world in Canada. Yet for a long time we operated on a premise of “if we build it they will come.” Now we’re watching the weather vanes — and we’re trying new things to meet audiences where they are at.
Video: why Ontario is experiencing more floods — and what we can do about it By L. Manuel Baechlin
How can we limit damage from disasters like the 2024 Toronto floods? In this explainer video, we highlight some pretty useful solutions to our water problems.
Court halts tailings increase as First Nation challenges B.C.’s decision to greenlight it By Steph Kwetásel’wet Wood READ MORE
5 things to know about Winnipeg’s big sewage problem By Julia-Simone Rutgers READ MORE
86 per cent of a river gone: First Nation calls on BC Hydro to let more water through By Steph Kwetásel’wet Wood READ MORE
Water determines the Great Lakes Region’s economic future By Brett Walton READ MORE
This little sweetie’s favourite things include cheese snacks, belly scritches, holding power to account — and telling every delivery person who knocks on the door about The Narwhal’s newsletter. Forward this email to a friend to help spread the word!
The land just outside the powwow arbour is filled with overgrown prairie grasses, patches of invasive plants and soil along the riverbank that is just...
Your access to our journalism is free, always. Sign up for our newsletter for investigative reporting on the natural world in B.C. — and across Canada — you won’t find anywhere else.
Your access to our journalism is free, always. Sign up for our newsletter for investigative reporting on the natural world in B.C. — and across Canada — you won’t find anywhere else.
15 min. read
