As an Ontario taxpayer, I…

As an Ontario taxpayer, I must protest the actions of the provincial government regarding this Act, and its particular proposed exemptions to the Environmental Bill of Rights that will remove the right of Ontarians to be advised of, or to comment on, any required permits at Ontario Place, on or off site, to support the project in regards to the previous Rebuilding Ontario Place Act, 2023 .

The Environmental Bill of Rights exists to ensure that Ontario's environment in all its forms is protected for future generations. As this applies to Ontario Place, thousands of Ontarians have spoken out about their concerns related to protection of this fragile waterfront ecosystem. They have provided well-informed, intelligent commentary along with realistic and reasonable alternatives to the governments current plans. This move not only deprives citizens of their rights but the government of valuable community knowledge.

The proposal is not in the public interest, compromises the future of this critical waterfront site and serves only to benefit the private interests of foreign companies. Instead it represents one more compromise in environmental protection, and citizen's rights to be informed, at a time when Ontario along with the rest of the planet is facing a climate and biodiversity crisis.

I believe the content of this amendment regarding Rebuilding Ontario Place Act, 2023 to not be in the interest of Ontario and its people. In a time of rapidly accelerating and destructive climate change conditions, our government must be steadfast in its commitment to sound policy that will ensure protections to prevent predatory and selfish economic infrastructure development.