I am writing because I am…

I am writing because I am deeply concerned about Bill 5.

I believe that our government should be prioritizing Indigenous rights and reconciliation. This act is the opposite of that.

We know that protecting species at risk is a very important part of conserving Ontario's biodiversity. As a parent of two young children, I am deeply concerned about how our current policy choices are impacting my children's future. If this act is passed, there are many plants and creatures that will disappear in their lifetime.

I have worked for ten years in healthcare, which has taught me to make decisions based on the best evidence available to me. I believe that all the scientific evidence shows that we should be doing more to protect our environment. If we focus on "unleashing our economy" above all else, there will be no economy left for my children to enjoy on their dying planet. There are professionals who have spent their life learning how biodiversity impacts all of us- and we should be listening to them.

My county is making great progress, working on very important initiatives related to climate change mitigation and adaptation. I am concerned that this Bill will mean that no matter how much work is accomplished on that front, any of it can be undone if the government decides that development is more important, based on nothing other than their opinion.

Additionally, I am concerned about the lack of consultation and opportunity for input. It feels as though this bill is being swept through, and the consequences would be huge if it were to be inacted. We don't make our best decisions when we rush them, just like we don't build the best buildings in the best spots when we try to build them as fast as possible.