I am writing today to…

I am writing today to express my concern about the decision to exempt Highway 413 from the Environmental Assessment Act (EAA). This bypasses critical environmental protections that are essential for the well-being of both people and the land. Exempting such a large-scale project from a full environmental assessment is not only an oversight but a disservice to future generations. The EAA exists to ensure that development is conducted responsibly, respecting the long-term health of the environment and the people who rely on it.

Our Environmental Assessment Act is in place for a clear purpose, as stated: "The purpose of this Act is the betterment of the people of the whole or any part of Ontario by providing for the protection, conservation, and wise management in Ontario of the environment." R.S.O. 1990, c. E.18, s. 2. The act's purpose is to evaluate the impacts of large-scale projects, like highway construction, to protect our land and improve the lives of Ontario's population.

The Greater Toronto Area alone is home to 86 environmentally significant areas, which provide critical habitats for endangered species and help maintain biodiversity. The blatant ignorance that this project will not significantly impact these spaces—whether near or far—is a massive oversight. Disregarding these areas could lead to irreversible damage to ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. This is a consequence we cannot afford to ignore.

By exempting Highway 413 from the EAA, Ontarians' trust in the government "to do the right thing" is breached. This project affects many lives, including those of farmers and First Nations communities, both of which steward and care about the land taken for this project.

As a young person who wants a better future for myself and my potential children and grandchildren, this is not a step in the right direction. I urge the government to reconsider this exemption and recognize the importance of the Environmental Assessment Act. Responsible, sustainable development is possible, but only when we prioritize the environment and future generations over selfish short-term gains.