We are at a time where we…

We are at a time where we need increased, not weakened protections for the natural environment in our province. Environmental conservation is not merely an inconvenience - it is a process as important to our health and well-being that must not be compromised for economic development. Proper assessment of environmental impact takes time, and it is worth waiting for.

We are in a global biodiversity crisis. In Ontario alone, more than 230 plants and animals are at risk. The healthy forests, waters and wetlands species at risk rely on sustain all Ontarians.

I oppose Bill 5 and the creation of special zones which are exempt from the important processes which help to ensure we do not compromise the current and long-term health of our environment for perceived economic gain.

Please cancel Bill 5 and any plans to weaken the Endangered Species Act or implement “regulation-free zones” for resource extraction.

Instead, I support further strengthening of the Endangered Species Act.

Rather than significantly weakening protections for species at risk, our province needs to further safeguard biodiversity, respect Indigenous rights and ensure local communities benefit from the ecosystem services that nature freely provides.