Hello, While I understand…

Hello,

While I understand the need for economic growth in these unprecedented times, implementing Bill 5 is not a viable long-term solution. Narrowing the definition of a habitat and creating “special economic zones” essentially gives industrial companies the green light to destroy environments for short-term collection of minerals. What happens when those minerals run out? Bill 5 does not provide environmental recovery plans for these “special economic zones” which means habitats and ecosystems in those areas will never return. Not to mention, the bill directly ignores Indigenous land laws and does not even mention preliminary discussion with Indigenous communities until after Bill 5 is passed. Ignoring Indigenous communities and land laws in a bill that will have devastating effects on Indigenous land and its people is unacceptable and deliberately deceitful, in fact it makes me believe that I cannot trust the Ontario government because by doing this they show they cannot coexist with people who do not maintain the same beliefs as them. I’m about to move from BC to Ottawa to pursue my PhD and settle down with my partner. I would like to believe that I’m moving to a province whose government truly cares about and respects its people. Reading Bill 5, I do not see any of these qualities reflected within the Ontario government. Do not pass Bill 5. Thank you.