Brant County Councillor Lukas Oakley has announced his intention to introduce a motion at next week’s council meeting opposing Ontario’s recently passed Bill 5, Protecting Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025.
The legislation, which includes sweeping changes to environmental planning and municipal authority, has sparked concern among local governments, environmental advocates, and Indigenous communities.
The bill, passed by the provincial government on June 5, repeals key environmental protections including the Endangered Species Act and enables the creation of “Special Economic Zones” that override municipal planning authority and reduce public consultation.
“This is a poorly crafted and wide-sweeping piece of legislation,” Oakley said in a statement following the Administration and Operations Committee meeting. “It threatens local governance, environmental protections, and Indigenous treaty rights. We need to go back to the drawing board to develop shared goals that balance economic growth with responsible stewardship.”
Oakley’s proposed motion, set for council discussion on Tuesday, June 25, at 6:00 p.m., calls on the Ontario government to repeal Bill 5 and collaborate with municipalities and Indigenous nations to draft revised legislation.
The motion also references opposition voiced by the Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, which labelled the bill as “Legalized Lawlessness.”
Key points in the motion include:
• Official opposition to Bill 5’s provisions that reduce environmental protections and override municipal and Indigenous authority;
• A call for policies that respect sound planning principles and empower municipalities;
• An appeal to uphold Indigenous consultation obligations outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
The motion directs that the resolution be forwarded to Premier Doug Ford, key provincial ministers, local MPP Will Bouma, opposition party leaders, and municipal associations across Ontario.
Oakley urged community members to contact their councillors or register as a delegate for next week’s council meeting:
“This is a critical moment for our county’s future,” he said. “Residents deserve a say in how we grow while protecting our land, communities, and shared responsibilities.”
Details on how to register to speak before council are available at www.brant.ca.
