I vehemently disagree with…

I vehemently disagree with the proposed changes to the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System. There must be consultation with environmental scientists, who are experts on the role wetlands fulfill in an ecosystem, to ensure that Ontario is using an evidence-based method to evaluate our wetlands. Not only is changing our standards to encourage development a blatant disregard for our environment and the indigenous peoples who have protected it for millennia before the settlers’ arrival, but also for our future economy. It is well-known that wetlands are crucial for flood mitigation. Artificial solutions are not as efficient and have a limited capacity to support biodiversity in comparison to natural wetlands. Biodiversity loss poses significant threats to food production industries. Costs associated with increased flooding (increased insurance costs and costs associated with flood-related damage) may outweigh any economic benefits afforded by the proposed changes to the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System.