Conservation groups warn of loss of species protections in Ontario’s Bill 5

Environmental advocates are warning specific elements in a controversial government bill will cause irrevocable harm to species and ecosystems across Ontario if it becomes law.Committee hearings on Bill 5 began last week when Indigenous leaders were among those who voiced their opposition to a provision in the legislation that allows for the creation of “special economic zones” where existing regulations can be sidestepped to permit projects to move forward at the will of cabinet.