I oppose Bill 66 especially…

I oppose Bill 66 especially the proposed changes to Schedule 5 and 10 for the following reasons.

1. To keep Ontario competitive and economically viable we need to continue to protect our water, air, farmland and natural lands. The cost to the environment, people’s health and the health care system would be unsustainable if Bill 66 were to become law.
2. The Toxins Reduction Act has led to improved air and water for people and the environment in Ontario, to repeal this act would be environmentally and economically detrimental.
3. The Open for business act (Bill 66) would override Provincial Policy Statement under the Planning Act that support green infrastructure, affordable housing and transportation.
4. The Open for business act (Bill 66) would allow municipalities to by-pass agricultural protections and the Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation plans
5. The Open for business act would also eliminate transparency and public engagement as by-laws could be passed by municipalities without prior public notice and eliminate the option to appeal these by-laws.

In conclusion Bill 66 will make it possible for Developers to shop around amongst municipalities until they find one willing to use the Open for business by-law in order to circumvent the Toxins Reduction act and the Greenbelt and Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation plans. I am opposed to this as are my friends and colleagues, we all want to continue to improve the air, water, ability to grow food in Ontario and maintain our greenbelt and natural lands. Doing this is the only way to build a sustainable Ontario now and for the future.