I'm writing to you as an…

I'm writing to you as an actively involved constituent of King-Vaughan, and also as a supporter in advancing a clean, sustainable and cost-effective power grid across Ontario and beyond into Quebec, Manitoba and all of Canada.

Like anything in life, there needs to be an element of balance. We can’t have one thing without the other. I strongly urge the Ministry of Energy and Mining, MECP and the whole Ontario government to advance wise economic development in lockstep with protections and enhancements of Ontario’s rich natural features, including endangered species, vital habitats, and broad, healthy eco-systems and watersheds.

Bill 5 with the proposed “Special Economic Zones”, which include significantly reduced protections for endangered species plus several related policy changes, separates economic development from sound, consistent, science-based stewardship of the natural environment. We need to carefully integrate helpful economic development with wise, well-informed management of Ontario’s valuable bio-diversity and habitats, and ensure the free, prior and informed consent of Indigenous Peoples living throughout Ontario.

It is clear that today in Ontario we are facing a number of crises that have converged, and are being experienced around the globe: Including Climate Change; Loss of bio-diversity, Rising contamination of land, air and water; Heightened political and economic uncertainty; Social and health needs; and Attainable housing. I believe there is widespread consensus that all of these crises need to be addressed concurrently knowing that each crisis is connected to the others. To focus on only one is short-sighted. We need to have a long-term vision that brings together various fields of expertise, knowledge and helpful technology.

For example, countless studies have clearly shown that conserving vital natural areas, such as wetlands and forests, contributes to carbon sequestration and maintaining clean water resources. Advancing renewable energy, such as solar, wind and storage, creates many new jobs in Ontario’s economy, reduces electricity costs for consumers, and helps to decrease Ontario’s greenhouse gas emissions.

This is a strong and sincere request to push “pause” on Bill 5, and have a thorough review that includes science-based and expert insight on life systems and restoring biodiversity along with multiple species of native plants and animals that are currently at risk. And then update provincial policy, including the Endangered Species Act, to effectively conserve and restore habitats of the many At Risk native species, while pursuing wise economic development opportunities.

To close, life teaches us that we need a plan that connects and integrates strategies to address various pressing needs at the same time. We can’t focus on one while essentially ignoring the other. There are abundant ideas and examples available that we can learn from and apply in Ontario that can move us forward in many important areas together. Let’s pause Bill 5 now, and establish a well-integrated plan. Thank you.