I am writing to express my…

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding Schedule 7 of Bill 5, the “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act,” which proposes significant amendments to the Ontario Heritage Act. These changes threaten to undermine decades of progress in heritage conservation and Indigenous reconciliation.

In addition to the concerns previously raised, I wish to highlight the following issues:

1. Expansion of Ministerial Powers: The proposed amendments grant the Minister the authority to order archaeological assessments, seize artifacts, and direct investigations. These powers could lead to inconsistent application and potential misuse, bypassing established processes that ensure accountability and respect for cultural heritage.

2. Vague Exemptions: The broad exemptions for projects deemed priorities—such as transit, housing, and healthcare—lack clear criteria. This ambiguity could lead to arbitrary decisions, allowing significant developments to proceed without adequate heritage assessments.

3. Undermining Local Decision-Making: The centralization of authority diminishes the role of municipalities and local communities in preserving their heritage. Local councils, often more attuned to community values, should retain the primary responsibility for heritage conservation.

4. Potential Impact on Indigenous Rights: The removal of archaeological assessments may infringe upon the rights of Indigenous communities by failing to identify and protect sacred sites and cultural landscapes, further straining the government's relationship with First Nations.

5. Precedent Set by Bill 23: The amendments echo concerning elements of Bill 23, which previously weakened heritage protections. The cumulative effect of these legislative changes could erode public trust in the government's commitment to heritage conservation.

I urge the government to reconsider these proposed amendments and engage in meaningful consultation with heritage professionals, Indigenous communities, and the public to ensure that heritage conservation remains a priority in Ontario's development plans.

Thank you for considering these concerns.