I’m writing as someone who…

I’m writing as someone who really cares about Ontario’s environment, and I’m disappointed about changes in Bill 5. It feels like a huge step backwards when it comes to protecting wildlife and ecosystems that we already put under so much pressure.
Making protections for endangered species optional, changing how “habitat” is defined, and cutting recovery plans all seems like it’s going to do a lot more harm than good in the long run. I get that the goal might be to boost the economy, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of our natural spaces. Natural spaces are so important. No one wants to live a world of concrete and metal. Have you considered how many tourists flock to places just for the nature ? Have you considered leaning into that ? I hope you guys realize that you guys are literally the onceler. Have you not watched the Lorax ?

This province has such amazing biodiversity, and I’d like to see it protected, not watered down so companies can cut corners more easily. I really hope this bill gets reconsidered, or at the very least, that there’s more public input before anything moves forward because seriously, you have a whole team of people and you can’t think of any better way to boost the economy? Nothing has to lose in order for you to win.