It’s been said that every…

It’s been said that every win for the environment is temporary and every loss is permanent. This proposal is a permanent loss for our province . Not only for the environment in Ontario but it’s people both present and those to come.

Creating the Greenbelt represented forethought and humility on behalf of the leadership of Ontario. It is an understanding that to protect ourselves we need to protect the environment. A healthy and resilient environment is essential to our ongoing prosperity.

It is well known that climate change will create enormous challenges, some of which can’t yet be foreseen. However, we do know that we will experience increased rainfall. Functional ecosystems in headwater areas of the rural greenbelt act as green infrastructure that slow water and reduce flooding in the areas where people live. Developing these previously protected areas will have negative impacts on existing infrastructure, homes and people.

This proposal is a disgrace. Its clear that it’s just the beginning of death-by-a-thousand cuts. Think that’s reading too far into it? The Premier himself promised on multiple occasions that he would not touch the Greenbelt. He lied, and I’m deeply angry about that. I’m also deeply saddened for the future he’s choosing for our province and my children.