Repealing the Endangered…

Repealing the Endangered Species Act is a shortsighted move that will incur heavy repercussions both financially and ecologically. The fact that certain members of government do not value (or understand) the ecological impacts of what they are doing, does not mean that the adverse effects our province will experience as a result will magically go away. Designating special economic zones that bypass environmental protections could be used to push through development on key areas that serve not only an ecological function, but a financial one as well. Wetlands for instance, are vital for natural flood prevention. Replicating these effects through human-made means would be incredibly costly, and yet short term it might be deemed necessary by this government for short term economic gain for private interests, even though it would cause long term financial strain on the taxpayers. Vague “goals” and unenforceable measures will lead to the further decline of species. This bill is very transparently putting short-term industrial gain ahead of long-term ecological and community health.

The “special economic zones” is such a farce of a proposal, and an obvious attempt to enrich the few at the expense of a great many, no matter how you try to hide it through selective framing. This short cut for Ford’s friends undermines accountability and trying to fast track it while everyone is distracted by news of tariffs is an obvious ploy.

I strongly oppose the proposed Bill 5, the Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act.

Withdraw Bill 5 in its entirety. Work with environmental experts, the public, and Indigenous leaders to strengthen — not dismantle — our systems of environmental protection as crises due to Climate Change are becoming increasingly common.

Protecting nature does not stunt economic growth, to protect nature is to invest in our future as a society.