I, and every other biologist…

I, and every other biologist, oppose this bill. This will lead to the destruction of vital ecosystems, which will cause species’ to decline. A habitat is not only the area an animal breeds in; it’s where they hunt, sleep, patrol and mate in. I urge you to look at scientific definitions of a habitat. Additionally, the destruction of vital habitats will lead to increased human-wildlife interactions, increasing the risk for transmitted diseases, animal attacks, and road related deaths of the animals. This will put more stress on our healthcare system, which is already over capacity and failing.
If you want to build more homes and infrastructure, what about the thousands of vacant buildings in cities that are owned by big developers? Why not use land that isn’t protected? This isn’t about the economy, because this is not what’s best for the economy or Ontarians. Ontario has beautiful wildlife and ecosystems, it is part of the reason I love it here. For you to destroy them indicates that you have no care for the environment, and only care about money in developers pockets- not benefitting the people in this province.
Would this infrastructure involve affordable housing? With rent control? Would it be accessible by public transit, or will you have to own a car to get there? Will Canadians be involved? Will it only be large developers that don’t care about the people who live in their developments?
This bill will not benefit Ontarians, or the environment. It will benefit big developers, ultimately putting undue stress on our healthcare system, increasing the wealth gap, and destroying the ecosystems in these areas.
I urge you to reconsider this bill.