Sharon Collingwood
Stratford Times, July 25, 2025
I find it incredible that we are ignoring the enormous threat Bill 5 poses to children.
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association calls Bill 5 a “power grab,” and it’s one that can directly hurt children. With the creation of “special economic zones” permitting the suspension of basic labour standards, including those relating to child labour, workplace safety, minimum wages, and hours of work, children may not only be drawn into harmful work, but they could also be harmed by the resulting toxins and pollution resulting from easing or removal of regulations..
The Bill dismantles the Endangered Species Act and weakens habitat protections, impacting the clean air and water and green spaces critical for children’s physical and mental health. Children, especially infants, toddlers, and those in utero, are particularly susceptible to environmental toxins and disruptions. The bill also removes key enforcement powers and bypasses local and municipal oversight. How will our communities be able to advocate for the protection of their children?
Arguably, the Ford Conservatives could turn entire cities into special economic zones, with weakened protections for all. What’s even worse, Bill 5 will make it easier to push forward large scale, high-emission projects, intensifying our climate change risks, from floods to heatwaves, to which children are most vulnerable.
It’s no wonder Indigenous people are arguing strongly against this bill. Indigenous children face a particular threat from Bill 5. It undermines mandatory consultation with Indigenous Nations, infringes treaty rights and cultural heritage, and threatens the clean land and water needed for cultural practices, food and recreation. They are standing up for their children.
Protecting our children should be our first priority. With all this at stake, how can we tolerate this bill?
