I am writing to object in…

I am writing to object in the strongest possible way to the proposed exemptions from the Environmental Bill of Rights contained in Bill 5. The Environmental Bill of Rights exists to ensure that Ontario's environment in all its forms is protected for future generations. Bill 5 would effectively repeal the Endangered Species Act, leaving in its place a shell that contains no meaningful rules for species protection. The Bill would also hand virtually unlimited power to the Provincial Cabinet, through the proposed Special Economic Zones Act.

The proposal is not in the public interest. It compromises the future of natural areas and species in the province and serves only to benefit the private interests of foreign companies. 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.

For example, as Bill 5 applies to Ontario Place, thousands of Ontarians have spoken out about their concerns related to protection of this fragile waterfront ecosystem, for example concerns about redirecting an existing combined sewer overflow that will be in the way of a beach planned by the corporation owning the proposed megaspa and emptying it into an area used recreationally by rowers, paddlers, swimmers, and for water shows by the CNE. Ontarians have provided well-informed, intelligent commentary along with realistic and reasonable alternatives to the government's current plans. Bill 5 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. This move not only deprives citizens of their rights but the government of valuable community knowledge.