I am a certified Ontario…

I am a certified Ontario teacher living in the municipality of French River, which lies within the lands of the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850.

The proposed legislation appears to override municipal, environmental, and treaty rights in favour of unchecked development—without requiring permits or proper consultation. This is alarming. The removal of protections for endangered species is particularly troubling, especially when Ontario’s biodiversity is already under immense pressure from habitat loss and climate change.

As someone who lives in northern Ontario, I see firsthand the importance of maintaining balance with nature. Yet, development continues to surge across the GTA, much of it with devastating effects on wildlife and the erasure of green spaces. One would hope that after the public outcry over the Greenbelt, a lesson would have been learned about the importance of environmental stewardship and respecting collective public voice.

Frankly, if even half the energy being put into expanding alcohol sales across the province were invested into protecting our environment and honouring treaty relationships, Ontario would be in a much stronger position for future generations.