I am against this amendment…

I am against this amendment.

The provincial priorities identified in the act should NOT be exempt from archeological assessments.

Advancing of these priorities should NOT be exempt at the discretion of an individual appointed by provincial government, the lieutenant governor of Ontario, which is a political position.

This amendment allows the party in power to determine what priorities can bypass archeological assessment, reducing forward movement with reconciliation. It shifts decision making to developers.

We need consultation and assessment with all partners.

Indigenous and other historical sites, including those not yet known will be at risk of not being identified and/or preserved.

This amendment has short term benefits for developers and long term harmful consequences for all in Ontario.

Moving forward with the important priorities listed above should NOT be at the expense of archeological assessment.

I oppose this amendment.