US EditionToronto Zoo Warns of Extinctions if Ontario Mining Bill Becomes Law
- Toronto Zoo CEO Dolf DeJong warned at a May 2025 Queen's Park hearing that Ontario’s Bill 5 threatens species survival across the province.
- Ontario’s new legislation aimed at boosting the economy proposes repealing the Endangered Species Act, weakening habitat protections, and accelerating the approval process for mining developments.
- The bill redefines habitat to only nests or dens, grants government power over species protection committees, and allows special economic zones where environmental laws can be suspended.
- DeJong warned that if the bill becomes law, it may reverse many years of work to protect wildlife and put at risk several of Ontario’s most at-risk species, highlighting ongoing initiatives like the Toronto Zoo’s efforts that have involved releasing over 700 animals into the Rouge National Urban Park.
- The zoo urges funding to expand its 100-species living cell biobank to ensure genetic diversity and establish insurance for species if the bill passes.
43 Articles
43 Articles
Snowy owl labelled threatened by expert group — and humans are primarily to blame
The snowy owl, Quebec's majestic avian emblem and Harry Potter's iconic companion, is at risk of becoming endangered if action isn't taken to reverse the threats to its survival, an independent advisory panel has concluded.
The Toronto Star
The Sarnia Journal‘The worst piece of legislation in a generation’: 100 organizations oppose Ford’s Bill 5
Critics say Bill 5, the Progressive Conservative government’s latest omnibus piece of legislation, promises to ‘Protect Ontario’ while attacking its land, wildlife and democracy.
The threat to endangered species from Bill 5 continues...
We still need your help to protect the Endangered Species Act! Bill 5, which contains a provision to eliminate the Ontario Endangered Species Act, has been referred to the province’s Standing Committee on the Interior. The committee has already held one hearing on May 22, and another is set for Monday, May 26. The proposed replacement act – the Species Conservation Act – would eliminate habitat protections for species at risk and eliminate the m…
Toronto Zoo warns of extinctions if Ontario mining bill becomes law – 105.9 The Region
TORONTO — Species could go extinct if Ontario passes a controversial mining bill that is set to transform its approach to endangered species and the environment, the Toronto Zoo warned the province. Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, would strike a blow to the recovery of several species the institution has been trying to save, said Dolf DeJong, the zoo’s CEO, at a committee hearing at Queen’s Park on Thursday. If and whe…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 79% of the sources lean Left
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
