A strong Greenbelt ensures…

A strong Greenbelt ensures that people in southern Ontario have access to clean air and water, local food and natural spaces. Protecting this land, and working to ensure its sustainability and vitality, supports strong rural and urban communities, protects us from increasing extreme weather events, mitigates the impact of climate change and provides access to nature for millions of residents and visitors.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the risks we face as the global agricultural supply chain falters. Economic instability, climate change, geopolitical tensions, and labour shortages threaten our food supply. Therefore, it is imperative that Ontario retain as much agricultural production as possible. I do not believe we should enrich land speculators at the expense of our vital farmland.

The Greenbelt supports millions of residents who live in southern Ontario, providing access to urban and near-urban nature, and ensuring adequate tree and wetland cover to mitigate the effects of climate change.

I strongly disagree with the proposal to remove parcels of Greenbelt land for residential development, even if new land is designated in its place. Our province's food security, biodiversity, tourism sector and climate is at risk. Please act accordingly.