I'm writing in response to…

I'm writing in response to several articles I've read recently about Bill 5, the government's proposed alteration (one might say gutting) of our Endangered Species Act.

Like many people I've spoken to, I am disheartened and appalled by the so-called "Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act," a piece of legislation that is anti-science, anti-democratic, and deeply harmful to our natural environment.

This deregulation will inevitably degrade Ontario's precious and irreplaceable natural heritage. It takes assessment out of the hands of objective scientists and puts it in the hands of developers whose sole interest will inevitably their own (short term) bottom line.

I am a senior citizen who has had a lifetime of enjoyment (and spiritual refreshment) from our literally priceless natural environment. I have no stake in this, except the wish that my grandchildren, and their grandchildren, should continue to take comfort and pleasure from the resources of this province, which belong to ALL of us.

For the sake of humanity, for the sake of the future, NOT for the sake of quick and transient profits for the wealthy few, I URGE the Ontario Government to scrap this bill. IF our current environmental protection regulations truly need to be updated, let that be done in consultation with scientists, environmentalists, indigenous people, and ordinary citizens.

Do NOT let this careless, harmful, immoral piece of legislation become law.

Concerned resident of Kitchener Ontario