I am writing on behalf of…

I am writing on behalf of the Escarpment Corridor Alliance (ECA) in South Georgian Bay (Collingwood) Ontario. We have approximately 4,000 engaged supporters in our network. The ECA is committed to an entrpreneurial approach to conservation that balances the needs of nature and people. We absolutely recognize the need for economic and housing development across Ontario. However, this needs to be done based on science, data and democratic community consultation.

The ECA also leads an informal alliance network of over 20 community groups and non profits in the region.

The ECA is very concerned with Bill 5 as it currently reads and is strongly opposed based on these reasons among others:

The Special Economic Zones give an innappropriate amount of power to a small group of individuals and there is no criteria specifies for what lands would quality. This criteria is critical. It appears that Provincial Parks, the Greenbelt and the Niagara Escarpment are not exempt from potential SEZ and must be.

Repealing the Species at Risk Act would set us back decades in biodiversity protection which is essential for human and economic health.

Ontario and Canada are finally on a path to Indigenous Reconciliation. Supporting Indigenous-lead conservation is one effective way to further reconciliation. The proposed changes in Bill 5 would undermine Indigenous rights. This component of Bill 5 need drastics reform or removal. We cannot improved the future if we repeat mistakes from the past.

The ECA recognizes the need for economic development and understands that mining is required to create an electric battery industry. But the process must be strategic and not undermine Indigenous rights. The ECA also encourages the Province to explore the concept of a Conservation Economy (see attached) that is based on the principle of stimulating the economy by investing in nature instead of only extracting from it. The ECA would be please to participate in any task force opportunities in regards to conservation and economic opportunities.