Schreiner Joins Orangeville Rally Against Ford’s Attack on the Environment and Local Democracy

July 12, 2025

ORANGEVILLE — Ontario Greens Leader Mike Schreiner joined community members and grassroots organizations in Orangeville today to speak out against the Ford government’s ongoing assault on democratic rights and environmental protections through Bill 5 and Bill 17.

The rally, organized by Headwaters Stop Highway 413, Grandmothers Act to Save the Planet, and ecoCaledon, brought together an outraged crowd demanding that the Ford government stop attacking the people and places we love while bulldozing local decision-making. Schreiner addressed the crowd before the march began.

“We need people-powered action now more than ever,” said Schreiner. “Bills 5 is an extraordinary power grab by the Ford government. It is a direct attack on environmental protections, labour laws, Indigenous rights and democratic oversight. Doug Ford is trying to silence local voices so he can steamroll your rights, your land, and your future.”

“That is why we are building a people-powered movement to protect Ontario from Doug Ford’s unprecedented power grab.”

Schreiner ripped into Bill 5 as a dangerous assault on local democracy, calling it “a threat to everything we care about.”

He also blasted Ford’s suggestion that his ridiculous tunnel under the 401 could be declared a Special Economic Zone. And warned that the same lawless zone could be applied to Highway 413.

“Greens will fight with you to stop Ford’s Highway 413 from paving over 2,000 acres of farmland and 400 acres of the Greenbelt while threatening rivers and waterways with 130 crossings, especially when there are cheaper and less destructive alternatives like paying the tolls for trucks on Highway 407.”

“I stand with you, with First Nations and with people across Ontario who are courageously pushing back against Ford’s unprecedented power grab,” Schreiner said. “And I will continue to stand with you as we fight to take power back for people and local communities!”

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