**Opposition to Bill 212 and…

**Opposition to Bill 212 and Highway 413 Act, 2024**

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Bill 212 and the Highway 413 Act. This legislation poses significant risks to Ontario’s environment and public health. The exemption of Highway 413 from the Environmental Assessment Act is alarming. This highway will pave over wetlands, forests, and farmland—essential ecosystems that protect against flooding, support biodiversity, and act as carbon sinks.

Highway 413 will also increase greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating the climate crisis. Transportation is already the largest source of emissions in Ontario, and this project will lock us into decades of higher emissions. Instead, we should focus on solutions like public transit and cycling infrastructure, which reduce emissions and promote sustainable urban growth.

Moreover, removing bike lanes as proposed under Bill 212 will harm public health by discouraging active transportation. Bike lanes reduce traffic-related air pollution and provide safe, affordable transportation options. The Ontario Medical Association has linked air pollution to thousands of premature deaths annually. We cannot afford to ignore these impacts.

Bill 212 is a step in the wrong direction. I urge you to reconsider and prioritise investments that protect our environment and health while addressing congestion in meaningful ways.