Environmental advocates gather in Toronto to protest Bill 5
The rally, led by The Water Warriors, underscored concerns over threats to Ontario's endangered species and protected lands.
TORONTO, ON — Dozens of people gathered on Monday, May 26, 2025, at Nathan Phillips Square for a peaceful demonstration against the Ontario government's proposed Bill 5, formally titled the "Unleashing Ontario's Economy Act." The government states Bill 5 is intended to streamline development and attract investment by creating special economic zones. However, protesters highlighted serious concerns that the legislation could dismantle critical environmental safeguards, allowing development on sensitive habitats, removing protections under the Endangered Species Act and overriding protections for conservation areas across the province.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has dismissed these concerns, stating, "There’s opposition with the radical environmentalists, not everyone else."
Random Photo Adventure Chronicles reached out to the Premier's Office for comment regarding the concerns raised by protesters and to provide further clarification on Bill 5, but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
At its core, Bill 5 proposes the ability to designate special economic zones that would be exempt from a majority of Ontario's existing laws, extending beyond just environmental policy. Materials handed out during the protest indicate that the bill has the potential to override labour, traffic, health and safety regulations, as well as municipal bylaws. It may also violate commitments to truth and reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
This has prompted many First Nations, unions, and even municipal governments to join the ranks of those dismissed by Premier Ford as merely “radical environmentalists,” a label that now appears to apply to an increasingly diverse range of critics. The legislation, if passed, would have province-wide implications for environmental regulations and local governance.
Robyn Hamlyn of the Water Warriors, a grassroots not-for-profit, organized the demonstration. Hamlyn, a prominent advocate for water rights, specifically outlined the legislative concerns, stating:
“The fact is that it abolishes any kind of regulation for traffic and safety. So, it basically means that Doug Ford can go and build on these special economic zones and bypass any safety laws. So he can prevent unionizing, he can prevent it going through environmental assessments.”
Leader of the Ontario Green Party, Mike Schreiner, also attended the protest and addressed the crowd, at one point saying:
“Donald Trump would only dream to have the kinds of extraordinary and unprecedented power these special economic zones gives a premier.”
CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn appears to share the concerns, saying in a press release, “Existing Ontario labour law won’t apply in these special economic zones. Under the cloak of an impending economic crisis and the guise of fighting tariffs, Doug Ford plans on delivering workers to the wild west of working conditions, all to the benefit of big business.”
The Ford Government announced on May 28, 2025, that it would amend Bill 5 to add a duty to consult with First Nations. This comes after many First Nations warned of action if the bill passed in its current form.
"There will be conflict on the ground, and those that oppose it will most likely end up in jail," said Alvin Fiddler, grand chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
Protesters Denied Entry to Queens Park
The protest, which drew approximately 80 individuals to Nathan Phillips Square, proceeded toward Queen’s Park, with some participants reportedly being denied entry to the area during the final day of the public comment period.
Upon arriving on the grounds of Queen’s Park, demonstrators posed for a brief group photo in front of the Ontario Legislature before removing all protest paraphernalia and attempting to enter and attend the public comment period that was happening that day.
Those attempting to enter were stopped by members of the Legislative Protective Service, who explained that any member of a demonstration is prohibited from entering the legislature that day, as part of a long-standing policy.
Random Photo Adventure Chronicles spoke with John Romain, Staff Sergeant, Operational Support, at Queen's Park, who confirmed that demonstrators were being denied entry even though they had removed their signs and stickers, as simply entering the grounds with protest materials was grounds for denial. S/Sgt Romain indicated that if demonstrators did not enter the grounds with their materials, they would likely have been permitted entry.
The bill is expected to undergo further debate as it proceeds through the legislative process, with opponents vowing to continue their advocacy. Bill 5 has now been referred to a Standing Committee, a crucial stage where a smaller group of MPPs will conduct a detailed, clause-by-clause review and may also hold public hearings. Random Photo Adventure Chronicles will continue to follow Bill 5 and provide updated information as it becomes available.
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