Against this amendment. …

Against this amendment.

The provincial priorities (defined in this act as: transit, housing, health and long-term care, other infrastructure or such other priorities) should NOT be exempt from due process with archeological assessments.

Advancing of these priorities should NOT be exempt at the discretion of an individual appointed by provincial government, the lieutenant governor of Ontario, which is a political position.

This amendment allows the party in power to determine what priorities can bypass archeological assessment, reducing forward movement with reconciliation. It shifts power to developers.

We need consultation and assessment with all partners.

Indigenous and other historical sites, including those not yet known will be at risk of not being identified and/or preserved.

This amendment has short term benefits for the governing party and long term harmful consequences for all in Ontario and beyond.

Moving forward with the important priorities listed above should NOT be at the expense of archeological assessment.

I oppose this amendment.