The proposed changes to…

The proposed changes to the Conservation Act, which gives permitting powers to the Minister are not necessary as the Conservation Authorities have demonstrated local experience and a deeply developed knowledge of the areas that they protect for the integrity of natural heritage features that provide many incalculable values to Ontario residents including continuing availability of fresh clean water, management of erosion and flooding and other threats. The proposed changes are promoting housing, transportation and other politically driven agendas in short-sighted approaches to preserving economic strength and liveability in Ontario. "Cutting Red Tape" threatens the long term viability of our abundant natural resources, especially water and soil, to temporary and primary benefit of profit-seeking developers versus real attainable solutions to the critical affordable housing needs for all of our younger people and families. They must be able to count on having access to clean water and air which nature has abundantly gifted Ontario. Please do not undermine the Conservation Authorities mandate.