Bill 5 explained in plain English

Bill 5 establishes the Special Economic Zones Act and the Species Conservation Act, replaces endangered species protections with new conservation rules, restricts procurement based on geographic origin in energy and mining sectors, and makes various amendments to development and environmental assessment processes in Ontario.

Bill 5 is a comprehensive piece of legislation that makes significant changes to multiple areas of Ontario law. It creates two new laws—the Special Economic Zones Act and the Species Conservation Act—and modifies numerous existing laws affecting development, environmental protection, mining, energy, and heritage conservation. Key changes include: **Special Economic Zones and Development** The bill creates a new Special Economic Zones Act that allows the government to designate certain geographic areas as "special economic zones" where specific projects or businesses ("trusted proponents" and "designated projects") may be exempt from or have different rules apply under various provincial laws. This is designed to streamline approvals for economic development. **Species Protection Reform** The bill replaces the Endangered Species Act, 2007 with a new Species Conservation Act. While the overall goals of protecting species are similar, the new law changes how species are listed and protected, removes some previous requirements for recovery strategies and stewardship programs, and shifts focus to "conservation" rather than "recovery." The Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO) continues to assess and classify species, but the government has more discretion in deciding which classified species to add to the official list. **Energy Procurement Restrictions** The Electricity Act and Ontario Energy Board Act are amended to prevent the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), Ontario Power Generation, and certain gas utilities from procuring goods or services based on their country, region, or territory of origin, as prescribed by regulation. This is intended to limit foreign participation in Ontario's energy sector. **Mining Sector Changes** The Mining Act is significantly amended to give the Minister new powers to: - Suspend mining system functions without prior notice or hearing if protecting the "strategic national mineral supply chain" requires it - Cancel or revoke unpatented mining claims or mining leases without notice or hearing - Deny mining leases without prior notice or hearing - Establish expedited permitting teams for designated mining projects The Act's purpose is also changed to prioritize protection of Ontario's economy alongside mineral exploration. **Environmental Assessment and Heritage** The Environmental Assessment Act is amended to terminate a previous agreement with Noront Resources concerning the Eagle's Nest mine and to exempt certain Chatham-Kent waste disposal activities from environmental assessment requirements. The Ontario Heritage Act is expanded to give the Minister new powers to assess lands for archaeological artifacts and to seize archaeological materials. **Procurement and Legal Protections** The bill includes broad provisions that extinguish (eliminate) legal claims against the Crown and various public officials and agencies resulting from these legislative changes and any actions taken under them. **Commencement** Most of the bill came into force on Royal Assent (June 5, 2025), but some provisions of the Species Conservation Act and other schedules are set to come into force on dates to be named by order of the Lieutenant Governor in Council.