Proposed changes to the…

Proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act, including its planned repeal and replacement, reveal a lack of understanding and lack of attention to the health and well-being of Ontarians.
The changes are framed as necessary to clarify rules and streamline approval for infrastructure projects and housing. It is clear from the opening statement, and repeated throughout the proposed changes, that construction is more important than a healthy ecosystem, which means that highways and buildings are more important than healthy people and communities.
It's also clear from the Premier's comments that nothing should stand in the way of paving over and building on the rapidly-diminishing natural spaces still left in this province (especially not grasshoppers). This is short-sighted and erroneous, and is not in the best interest of Ontarians.
The basic truth is that humans and natural systems only thrive when they thrive in unison. Legislation that ignores this fact is wrong and harmful.
As elected representatives of Ontarians, all MPPs hold the responsibility, the authority, and the accountability to set policy and make decisions that make our lives better. We entrust you with our tax dollars and we deserve to be considered and heard.
The changes to the Endangered Species Act push us in the wrong direction and once the damage is done, it cannot be remediated.