I do not support Bill 66 and…

I do not support Bill 66 and, in particular, Schedule 5. I am very concerned that the Bill threatens human and wildlife health through increased exposure to toxic chemicals.

The Toxics Reduction Act, which requires certain industrial facilities to consider ways to reduce the use and emission of toxic chemicals in their operations, is a necessary regulation and does not inhibit responsible investment or economic development.

We have worked hard over many years to develop regulations to protect the environment and the health of all species. It is very discouraging to think that the regulations will be weakened unnecessarily and will endanger our health.

The Bill would compromise transparency and public engagement. Contrary to current
legal requirements (Planning Act, Clean Water Act), the by-laws could be passed without
any prior public notice, behind closed doors.

The Bill would leave citizens without recourse. Community members would not be able
to appeal open-for-business by-laws to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.

I strongly urge the rejection of this Bill 66. It is extremely regressive for our whole province.