As a proud Ontarian, I am…

As a proud Ontarian, I am deeply concerned about Bill 5: "Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act", the Conservative super omnibus bill that would repeal the Endangered Species act, leaving in it’s place a shell with no meaningful rules for species protection. The ESA has been a cornerstone of environmental protection for the last 20 years and its replacement by the “Species Conservation Act” undermines the work we’ve been doing for decades in this province to protect our incredibly diverse and beautiful natural habitats.

I am concerned about the threat to Ontario’s land, wildlife and democracy. I am also concerned about the power this hands over to developers. I understand the need to support rapid building of affordable housing in this province (!!!) but the richest of this province are the ones who will benefit from this bill while vulnerable and at risk species lose their habitat.

For the last five years my partner and I have worked diligently to re-wild land in Ontario. We have planted thousands of native trees and shrubs, delayed haying, created native grasslands, re-habilitated a wetland and as a result have seen the return of very precious at-risk birds to the land. We are doing this for our children, for the sake of the planet and a liveable future. We do this because we are very privileged to be in a position to do so and simply, we can! This option is not available to everyone, and we cannot use it as the cornerstone of habitat protection and creation. Private citizens cannot be fully responsible for the care of our beautiful province's nature - it is up to the Government to create strong regulations and restrictions on unchecked development. Bill 5 is a step backward, and will cement the devastation of our province.