Premier Ford and Ministers,…

Premier Ford and Ministers,
Like most citizens of Ontario, I have been alarmed by the unfriendly rhetoric coming from south of the border, and I do see that we need to look to our own tools and economy to diversify from an over-reliance on the US.
I understand that is one of the reasons behind the proposals put forth in Bill 5. I also know, from extensive reading as well as a career as a government biologist that the long term, successful and sustainable future of Ontario will absolutely require a healthy and resilient environment, including important ecosystems like the peat lands of Northern Ontario. If we bolster our economy at the expense of our natural heritage, the win will be extraordinarily short-lived.
I implore you to look to the future needs of the Province and require that any development is done in a right way: respecting first nations, and safeguarding the ecosystems which make Ontario the envy of the world.
I am not against development, but urge you to recognize that protecting the environment need not come at the expense of economic development.

thank you for considering my comments,
Leslie

Ottawa, Ontario