The proposed changes do not…

The proposed changes do not keep the health and well-being of endangered species into proper consideration.

Firstly, a habitat does not only consist of the physical space in which an organism is located, it should take into account the entire ecosystem in which the organism lives. For example, consider an endangered salamander. If the salamander spends most of its time under a log, by your new definition of habitat, only the fallen log would need to be protected. But a salamander requires a food source, and a migration route, and vernal pools where they can lay their eggs in order for individual salamanders to survive and for their population to grow. It is irresponsible for the definition of habitat to be changed simply because Doug Ford wants to be able to develop the Green Belt.

Secondly, the proposed changes to the permitting process do not take the health and well-being of the Species at Risk into proper consideration. The reason that the process of being able to develop natural areas was slow is because conducting a proper and honest assessment of the habitat takes time. Not all species are active or present at the same time of year and there are many factors to consider when assessing an area (ex. soil quality, water quality, native vegetation, amphibian/mammal/bird habitat etc). Removing those checks only benefits Doug Ford's ability to more quickly develop sensitive habitat.

If the government wants to make honest and genuine commitments to protecting our natural spaces and the species that inhabit them, then you cannot let Doug Ford change legislation to suit his needs. Once the land gets developed, we will never be able to recover the species and the habitats that were once there. Doug Ford is irresponsible regarding the environment and only wants to prioritize development projects that put more money into his pocket. This cannot be allowed.

All of the extreme weather that we have been seeing in the last few years from floods to wildfires is a direct result of human-caused climate change. If we want to protect ourselves and the planet, then we will invest more in projects that protect the environment, and not gut key legislation that protects it. Doug Ford got in trouble before because he tried to develop the Greenbelt, and he had to go back on his decision because Ontarians do not want him to do so. His changes to this act are just another way for him to try to get what he wants. And what he wants puts us all at risk. Do not let him make these changes.