Thank you for the…

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
I share the concerns that have been expressed by numerous conservation and environmental organizations in the province, such as Ontario Nature, Environmental Defence, Trout Unlimited Canada and the Ontario Rivers Alliance, about the omnibus nature of Bill 132 and the much too abbreviated public consultation period of only 30 days.
The government must seriously reconsider its handing of a bill of this magnitude, proposing amendments to key environmental statutes, with potential detrimental impacts involving exposure to toxics, enforcement of polluters, groundwater quality, and risks to human health.
I strongly support the organizations that are urging the government to repeal Schedules 9, 14 and 16 from Bill 132 and to initiate a process to meaningfully and adequately engage the public. It is unacceptable for the government to introduce sweeping changes in an omnibus bill that simply doesn't provide a fair and full opportunity for citizens to analyze all of these changes and express their concerns about the negative consequences for our environment and natural resources.
As a minimum step, I strongly urge the government to extend the consultation period for at least another 30 days. Better still, the government should reconsider its omnibus approach, and preferably invite public consultation with a series of public open houses early in the New Year.