I would like to raise my…

I would like to raise my concern regarding Bill 212. Particularly Schedule 3 which will enact the Highway 413 Act, 2024. Which states "Section 2 of the Act provides an exemption from the Environmental Assessment Act for enterprises, activities, proposals, plans and programs for or related to Highway 413, including the Highway 413 Project and the Highway 413 early works projects."

I am concerned that the removal of environmental assessments could lead to shortsighted and potentially illegal work which could damage the ecology surrounding the construction. Impact assessments for endangered and protected species (animals, and plants) needs to be conducted. The impact on soil quality is also concerning since adequate farmland in Ontario has been shrinking. Such a large project which impacts many different areas should not be exempt from environmental assessments.

I am also concerned how removing environmental assessments might impact the infrastructure (e.g., water quality) of the communities surrounding construction of Highway 413. The lack of adequate environmental assessments/testing for Highway 9 directly caused the Walkerton Crisis leading to 9 deaths and 2000+ cases of E. Coli (causing lifelong health ramifications the government is liable for). The Highway 413 Act has the similar potential to cause a lack of oversight that will make the Ontario government directly culpable due to inadequate enforcement of the environmental standards set by the Environmental Protection Act. This department along with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks would also be liable.

I ask this department along with the Ontario government to consider how this clear violation of environmental protections directly opposes the steps that were taken following the Walkerton Crisis. For the safety of our citizens environmental assessments cannot be made optional, particularly for large projects like Highway 413.