This act proposes to remove…

This act proposes to remove the very important assessment and judiciary process that weighs the pros and cons of building highways. While traffic and gridlock are indeed a nuisance to drivers, they shouldn't be the only entity being considered when deciding to make life altering decisions. Highway 413 for example is proposed to cut through the greenbelt, which are the lungs of Southern Ontario and home to many vulnerable species. We should be giving the construction of such a a highway as much careful consideration as possible and scrutinizing its potential impact. We shouldn't be expediting its construction and the destruction of swaths of the Greenbelt while simultaneously expediting habitat loss, especially not in the name of economics and putting more drivers on the road. 29 at risk species stand to lose their home and millions of Ontarians will be placed at risk from the additional pollution and fewer forests to filter that same pollution. This bill recklessly proposes to remove the rights of municipalities to protect its citizens, the rights of individuals and organisations to take a stand, and the right of homeowners to protect their homes. Whatever this bill proposes, we should be moving in the opposite direction and creating walkable cities, trying to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, seriously considering the voices of local municipalities and organizations because they know their communities better, and applauding individuals who take a stand for their homes and the environment. We can't magic the Greenbelt back when we realize the damage cutting down acres of this precious resource has, so let's take as much consideration as we need, let's not expedite reckless destruction.