Dear Government of Ontario, …

Dear Government of Ontario,

I would like to add my voice to those who have expressed concern about the upcoming changes that have been proposed by Bill 5.

As a professional archaeologist, I am profound worried that this bill contravenes Article 11 of UNDRIP, to which Canada is a signatory, that states: "Indigenous peoples have the right to practise and revitalize their cultural traditions and customs. This includes the right to maintain, protect and develop the past, present and future manifestations of their cultures, such as archaeological and historical sites, artefacts, designs, ceremonies, technologies and visual and performing arts and literature." By eliminating the requirement for archaeology, Indigenous peoples in this province will have their sites impacted without recourse.

As someone who loves nature, the changes to the environmental requirements can, and likely will, result in impacts to species already at risk. These habitats are vanishing at increasing rates and we stand to lose all the precious biodiversity of native species without conscious protection.

As a mother to two children, I am worried for what kind of province my children will grow up in and inherit when I am gone. My family has lived in Ontario for generations; I lived abroad but returned here to start my professional career and my family because I love it here. I completely agree that as a province we have to prioritize transit, housing, as well as health and long term care but these things should not be at the expense of the natural environment or the rights of Indigenous peoples over their own lands.

Please reconsider Bill 5, for the sake of everyone.