I do not agree with the…

I do not agree with the proposal to streamline permissions for water taking and dewatering. We do not need fewer regulations. We need to ensure the safety of our water. The perceived need to streamline the review and regulation process is only happening because Ministry staff have been deeply cutback. We need to invest more in ensuring that the environment (both natural and human) is protected, and not less. We should not streamline these processes to build faster. We need to build smarter. To do that it is imperative to fully understand the impact of water taking on each individual site. Those reviewing cannot possibly know all the details without engaging the public actively at least as much as is required now. We should further reinstate the responsibility of Conservation Authorities to be key reviewers and stakeholders when considering any water taking or dewatering project.