Schedule 8 of the proposed…

Schedule 8 of the proposed Protect Ontario by Unleashing Our Economy Act, 2025 seeks to limit civic engagement and environmental protection for reasons that are unclear to me. The Toronto waterfront ecosystem is priceless and fragile. Developers should not get a pass to disrupt this invaluable resource for the sake of economic profit.

I am strongly opposed to any legislation that seeks to exempt projects from environmental assessment. This negates the Environmental Bill of Rights and our rights as citizens of Ontario to be informed and participate in decision-making that has the potential to change, harm, or destroy our environment.

Developers should not be exempt from regulations that were designed to protect our environment and the future of Ontario. This bill should not be passed in its current form. Schedule 8 is only one example of how this bill not in the public interest.

The Government of Ontario has a duty to the citizens of Ontario, many of whom are well-educated and highly informed about how best to protect our priceless natural resources. Citizens of Ontario must be allowed civic engagement. Please reconsider.