ERO number 013-4992…

ERO number 013-4992

Conservation authorities across Ontario provide a vital service across the province. The changes proposed appear to be a muzzling tactic preventing them from doing outreach and teaching programs for the public. To restrict or limit the conservation authorities "to focus and deliver on their core mandate of protecting people and property from flooding and other natural hazards" is doing the public a disservice. Conservation authorities should not be there to solely protect the public, but protect the natural environment and animals under their purview. If nature is protected by keeping watersheds and waterways intact, it benefits the public and infrastructure because water has somewhere to flow. It is short sighted if the proposed changes will restrict conservation authorities from keep nature centres open. Centres that teach our youth of the importance of protecting nature or to give them the opportunity to be in contact with nature. Is it the intent of this government to reduce funding for conservation authorities to make them look weak, and therefore useless? It would definitely help in preventing the conservation authorities to voice opposition to developers that seek a quick building permit, as per the government’s proposal to "provide the business sector with a clear and consistent regulatory environment in which to operate and will help to make approval processes faster, more predictable and less costly." Again, this government only seems to want to appease business and save money. Short sighted. Consistent in their bullying tactics. The government, once again, is not considering the majority of Ontario residents that did not vote for them.