I am writing to express deep…

I am writing to express deep concern and strong opposition to the proposed legislative amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act outlined in Schedule 7 of the Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025.

The proposal to allow exemptions from archaeological requirements where development "could potentially advance a provincial priority" represents a dangerous shift away from responsible stewardship of Ontario’s cultural heritage. This vague and subjective language opens the door to unchecked development that may destroy irreplaceable archaeological sites and erase the physical evidence of Ontario’s Indigenous and settler histories.

Our heritage is not a barrier to progress — it is the foundation on which our communities are built. The Ontario Heritage Act was created to protect that foundation. Weakening its authority to fast-track politically defined priorities sets a troubling precedent and ignores the public’s longstanding expectation that cultural heritage be respected and preserved.

True progress means building a future that honours and learns from the past. I urge the government to reject these amendments and instead strengthen protections for heritage and archaeological resources in Ontario.