I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act and urge you to reconsider.

Projects should require permits and regulations, there are many people, animals, and ecosystems that can and will be affected by development. It’s unfair to their livelihood and longevity to prioritize money and development over long term impacts.

All elements of this bill that pertain to the Rebuilding of Ontario Place Act are also disgraceful. Nobody who lives in Toronto wants Ontario developed into a spa. Passing bills that supersede our right to input and the requirements set out in the Environmental Bill of Rights is unjust.

The economy matters, but so does the health of the land and the animals we share it with. Looser restrictions in the Endangered Species Act is the last thing we need. It should never be at the governments discretion to add or remove species, that responsibility should lie with the independent body of experts, the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario. And on that note, advisory committees such as SAR PAC are pertinent to transparency, accountability, and scientific oversight. The ability for advisory committees to establish should not be removed.

A habitat includes the area an animal uses directly or indirectly to carry out its life processes, and not just a nest or den. It may be vague in writing because it isn’t always clear in real life either and requires assessment to accurately determine. Much like our whole world does not revolve just around our house but also our larger communities.

It’s an important safe guard that the provincial endangered species act includes all “endangered and threatened aquatic species and migratory birds, along with their residences and critical habitats, on non-federal lands” regardless of what the federal species at risk act says or doesn’t say. This provides an extra layer of protection for the precious and fragile biology of our province.

The requirements that exist for public notice and comment are important. Excluding the public is excluding the very people who voted for your government and are affected by your actions.

Please do not approve these changes or this bill. None of this is in the best interest of Ontario.