As a young person living in…

As a young person living in Canada, it is a priority of mine that we make choices that align with environmental justice, environmental stewardship, and social equity. Although, I am well aware of the housing crisis that we are experiencing in Ontario and face the challenges of finding affordable housing amidst inflation, I also know that our climate is rapidly deteriorating. Every person, plant and animal already faces the consequences of human greed that has resulted in the climate crisis. Bill 23 is a continuation of the greed that has landed us in this situation. The solution to our housing crisis is not to encroach on our critically important and already dwindling wetlands but to focus on densification. We need 15-minute cities where people can take a short walk or bike ride to access all the services they need; we need to reduce the need for commuting which adds to an individual's expenses and leads to even more greenhouse gas emissions; we need to prioritize the welfare of both our planet and our neighbours. For a more comprehensive analysis of Bill 23, please refer to CELA’s written submission regarding Bill 23.