Bill C-5: Why We Must Slow Down

Title: Bill C-5: Why We Must Slow Down and Protect Democracy, the Environment, and Indigenous Rights
By Tina Winterlik aka Zipolita

I recently listened to Elizabeth May’s powerful message about Bill C-5 — the One Canadian Economy Act — and I’m deeply concerned. She said something that stopped me cold:

“This bill is worse than Stephen Harper’s 2012 omnibus bill.”

That’s not said lightly. We fought hard to undo the damage of Harper’s Bill C-38, which dismantled 79 environmental protections, muzzled scientists, removed federal oversight of lakes and rivers, and weakened our democracy.

Now, Bill C-5 threatens to take us backwards once again.

This legislation is being fast-tracked — pushed through Parliament in just five days, with no thorough study, no public hearings, and no meaningful Indigenous consultation. That’s not how democracy should work.

Bill C-5 would:

• Give Cabinet sweeping powers to approve massive infrastructure and resource projects without full environmental review.
• Allow exemptions from existing laws — including ones meant to protect ecosystems and public health.
• Set a precedent where future governments (perhaps less transparent or less democratic) could bypass Parliament to serve industrial interests.

This isn’t just about environmental policy. It’s about how we govern, who has a voice, and whether we are willing to uphold the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the principles of democracy.

Elizabeth May isn’t alone in raising the alarm:

• The Canadian Cancer Society is concerned about public health implications.
• The Wilderness Committee is calling this a betrayal of climate commitments.
• Indigenous leaders are demanding a halt and full consultation.

And it’s hard not to feel disappointment when people like Mark Carney, who were expected to lead with integrity and vision, seem to be supporting legislation that leaves so many voices out.

This is a turning point. If we don’t speak up now, we risk letting a dangerous precedent become normal.

Let Parliament do its job.
Let Indigenous voices be heard.
Let us protect the land, the water, and future generations.

📺 Watch Elizabeth May’s Statement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYjiXcNCmSA
#StopBillC5 #ProtectDemocracy #EnvironmentalJustice #IndigenousRights #cdnpoli #ZipolitaSpeaks