I am strongly opposed to…

I am strongly opposed to Bill 5, the "Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act," and the proposed repeal of the Endangered Species Act.

While I understand the need for economic growth and development, this is not the way forward. The ESA has been critical for the protection of Ontario's biodiversity and ecosystems — assets that are invaluable not only to our environment but also to our economy and cultural identity. Replacing this act with the much weaker Species Conservation Act in the name of facilitating development puts irreplaceable species and habitats at serious risk.

Bill 5 undermines the stewardship values that many Ontarians hold dear. In Lanark County, for example, natural spaces are important for recreation, a large part of the local economy. Development should not come at the cost of our natural heritage and long-term economic prosperity.

I urge your government to reconsider these proposals. We need policies that promote both environmental protection and responsible economic development — not one at the expense of the other.

Do not repeal the Endangered Species Act, and do not proceed with Bill 5 in its current form.