#019-1536 Ontarians need…

#019-1536 Ontarians need Leaders #ONpoli

As an Ontario Resident and Taxpayer, I concur with the founding principles of Ontario’s Environmental Bill of Rights (1994) and endorse those principles as a priority today.

Ministry Vision, Mandate and Business (#2)

The Ministry should specifically voice a commitment to the social aspect of communities such as: “The Ministry is committed to building better infrastructure for the people ... and communities; making smarter infrastructure investments for the province, municipalities, Indigenous communities, the broader public sector and non-profit organizations across Ontario, creating jobs and growing our economy.” I have seen proposals for large infrastructure projects split families and neighbours, and tear communities into “us” versus “them”. Working and consulting with communities collaboratively would increase the chances of successful installations and happy people.

Please clearly define “the things that matter most to people”.

The expansion of broadband and cellular connectivity must take into account the health of people, wildlife, birds and insects. Wireless is known to cause health problems - especially susceptible are young children and their future offspring. 5G is expected to be significantly more dangerous. Please do not blindly roll-out 5G. Instead demand appropriate unbiased peer-reviewed study of the impacts of 5G on human health and the natural world and do not roll-out if detrimental to Canadians.

Consultation (#6)

“The Ministry will endeavour to provide opportunities for appropriate consultations” is a weak statement and provides no commitment to Ontarians. Consultation with Indigenous communities and NGOs are blatantly omitted.

Climate Change (#7)

“Promote opportunities”, “consider climate change mitigation and resilience” are weak statements and provide no commitment to Ontarians.

Consideration of Indigenous Peoples (#8)

“The Ministry of Infrastructure recognizes the value that Indigenous people place on the environment.” Please note that I support First Nations. I also place a high value on Canada’s environment.

Commitment to Indigenous People is weak -- “so that Indigenous interests can be appropriately considered”. What is the definition of “appropriately”?

True consideration of Indigenous Peoples begins by fully adopting and implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the framework for reconciliation.

Greening of Internal Operations and Energy Conservation (#9)

While it is admirable that the Ministry “believes in the wise use and conservation of natural resources and is committed to reducing its environmental footprint by greening its internal operations”, it is truly the least the Ministry can do. Staying the course is not enough. We need to make progress.

Conclusion

Ontarians need the Government of Ontario (GO) to be leaders, not followers.

We need GO to recognize that protection of a healthy environment for people and wildlife is not “red tape” or a barrier to progress. Such protection is, in fact, progress and safeguards Ontario’s future.

We need the GO to encourage technologies with compact comprehensive infrastructure, reducing duplication and requiring carrier collaboration to limit impacts on communities, our biosphere and human/wildlife health.

We need the GO to look out for the health and welfare of Ontarians, wildlife and the natural world.

We need GO to encourage wired infrastructure in schools, and remove/reduce wireless harms on Canada’s young people.

#FoodAndWaterFirst #ProtectOurWater #ProtectPrimeFarmland
#StandForForests #ProtectOurBiosphere #Greenbelt #Bluebelt
#IdleNoMore #WetsuwetenStrong