I wholeheartedly and…

I wholeheartedly and urgently reject the proposed exemptions from 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. The changes do not respect the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt treaty we are subject to, nor the UNDRIP principle of free, prior and informed consent. It blatantly violates the stewardship and agency of Ontario treaty people and tax payers to ensure future generations have access to the wealth of environmental benefits that this waterfront city currently enjoys.

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 government's 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.