I have already written the…

I have already written the Premier, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Rod Phillips and my MPP on Bill 108 and Schedule 5, the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act. Unfortunately, I have yet to receive even a canned response from any of them. I and my family are completely disgusted over this open season attack on the environment and vulnerable species.

As I stated in my email to the three of them, as per the Ontario government's own website at there are at least 200 species already at risk of disappearing. So, why in the world would any government consider, in good conscience and intelligence, any amendments that would water down the current Act and make it easier for developers to destroy natural habitat? It is clear to this taxpayer (and to many others if anyone has bothered reading the public comments registered during their review fo the Act), the vast majority of taxpayers DO NOT WANT to see developers favoured over our natural environment.

It is absolutely criminal to empower developers to destroy vital natural habitat for species already on the edge by "paying into a fund". It's nothing short https://www.ontario.ca/page/species-risk-ontarioof a bribery system, hidden away in a whitewashed bill "More homes, more options." Yes, more options for developers to do whatever they want without regard for the long-term, irreversible damage they will cause. And no Minister - particularly one without a science background or demonstrating even the slightest interest in environmental conservation - should be empowered to veto subject matter experts in order to expedite a developers permit. It is quite pathetic that a Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks is even considering such horrific amendments, let alone championing them.

It's clear, given the backlash at election time when the public found out Ford was going to open up the Greenbelt to developers, this isn't in the public's best interest or need. Bill 108 is a backdoor way of doing exactly what the public said they didn't want to see happen - open season on the environment to accommodate developers. Did the developers write up this "pay to slay" proposal themselves and just pass it over to our so-called elected officials for sign-off? It sure looks like a dream come true for them.

Schedule 5 of Bill 108 should be completely shelved. The review of the Endangered Species Act was never intended to improve species at risk, only to make it easier for developers to destroy what little we have left to protect of our biodiversity in this province. Anyone agreeing to this should be ashamed of themselves.