As a dedicated professional…

As a dedicated professional within Ontario’s conservation authorities, I am deeply concerned about the implications of Bill 5 on our province’s biodiversity and environmental stewardship.

Bill 5 proposes significant changes that would undermine the protection of endangered species and critical habitats. Specifically, the bill aims to reduce habitat protection durations and expand exemptions for development activities, such as mining exploration and infrastructure projects. These measures could allow harmful activities to proceed unchecked, threatening species like the redside dace and butternut tree, which are already at risk due to habitat loss and environmental degradation.

Furthermore, the bill seeks to delegate conservation authority regulatory responsibilities to individual municipalities. This decentralization could lead to inconsistent application of environmental protections, potentially compromising the effectiveness of conservation efforts and increasing risks to natural ecosystems.

I urge you to reconsider the provisions of Bill 5 and prioritize the preservation of Ontario’s natural heritage for future generations.