On June 4, 2025, the Ontario government passed Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025, with a vote of 71 to 44. Despite OSPE’s advocacy efforts, including a formal submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs and testimony from our CEO, Sandro Perruzza, the bill is now set to become law upon receiving royal assent.
What Bill 5 Entails
Bill 5 introduces sweeping regulatory changes aimed at accelerating permitting, approvals, and land development processes. While the intent is to reduce red tape and stimulate economic growth, the legislation raises significant concerns regarding clarity, accountability, public safety, and environmental protection.
Key Provisions Affecting Engineers
- Special Economic Zones (SEZs): The bill allows the government to designate areas as SEZs, where provincial and municipal laws can be suspended for key projects. This could lead to projects proceeding without adhering to established engineering standards and safety protocols.
- Environmental Oversight: Bill 5 replaces the Endangered Species Act, 2007, with the Species Conservation Act, 2025, which offers weaker protections for at-risk species. This change could undermine efforts to ensure sustainable and environmentally responsible engineering practices.
- Archaeological Assessments: The legislation permits the exemption of certain projects from archaeological assessment requirements, potentially overlooking critical historical and cultural considerations.
OSPE’s Position
As the professional body representing Ontario’s engineers, OSPE emphasizes that effective policy should be grounded in evidence and uphold the highest standards of public safety and environmental stewardship. Our concerns with Bill 5 include:
- Regulatory Ambiguity: The broad powers granted under the bill may create uncertainty around enforcement and interpretation of standards.
- Public Safety Risks: Accelerating project timelines without clear safeguards could lead to unintended and serious risks to public safety.
- Long-Term Planning: Infrastructure and land use decisions have lasting impacts. The bill’s provisions may compromise thoughtful, resilient growth.
- Environmental Stewardship: Weakening environmental protections contradicts the role engineers play in climate adaptation and sustainable development.
Moving Forward
While Bill 5 has passed, OSPE remains committed to advocating for policies that prioritize clarity, safety, and accountability. We urge government partners to recognize that cutting red tape should not equate to cutting corners. The engineering voice is essential in ensuring that economic progress does not come at the expense of public interest and safety.
We will continue to monitor the implementation of Bill 5 and work with stakeholders to promote responsible engineering practices that align with Ontario’s long-term goals.
For more information on Bill 5 and its implications, please refer to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s official documentation.
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