I have removed the name of…

I have removed the name of my MPP in case it blocks my comment from submitting as 'identifying information'. Please reach out to me via the e-mail provided for this comment form if such information can and should be shared.

I wrote my MPP and I received a response back cleverly dismissing my concerns regarding Bill 5. I was redirected to the proposed new legislation Ford wants. The SCA. This made me feel ill, especially as it was veiled in bureaucratic vernacular. I responded back horrified they are supporting the dismantling of the ESA with Ford's proposed "Special Economic Zones'.

Among the numerous issues with the SCA they propose, one is disregarding permits in advance of a project. This concerns me in regards to the environmental impacts that would be unknown until after damage is established since it foregoes a study in advance of work done. In fact, most of the response I was provided on behalf of my MPP speaks only to reactive 'enforcement' measures after expected damages, such as fines and jail time.

Another item from the proposal that concerns me regarding the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario is that, "The government would also have discretion to remove protected species from the list." This seems to translate to unqualified government officials being authorized to decide when an endangered species is suddenly deemed safe and propagating based on when it wants its project's shovels in the ground. This is totally unacceptable. 

With regards to this Bill 5 proposal, there are so many problematic releasing of power from the environmental safeguards into the hands of politics instead of scientists. I will provide the URL to the WWF letter that outlines some of my other concerns which I had previously submitted to my MPP.

I worry this one piece of harmful legislation will open the door for further paving over environmental laws and safeguards.

I'm all for economic growth, but there's no point for it without natural growth first - life. There are better ways and this bad one needs to be stopped so a better one can be put forth.